Consent granted for biomass plant in Northumberland

The Government has granted planning approval for the construction of a 100MW wood-based biomass power station in Northumberland. Located at Blyth Harbour, the £250 million North Blyth Biomass project has […]

The Government has granted planning approval for the construction of a 100MW wood-based biomass power station in Northumberland.

Located at Blyth Harbour, the £250 million North Blyth Biomass project has the capacity to generate 750GWh of renewable energy, enough to meet the annual needs of as many as 170,000 homes a year – the equivalent of all households in Northumberland.

A DECC spokesman said: “Sustainably sourced biomass has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix, enhancing energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If constructed, this development will help bring jobs and growth to the local economy.”

Renewable energy company RES said it is “delighted” by the Government’s approval for its first biomass development.

Project Manager Chris Lawson added: “We believe [it] will play an important part in the strong and growing renewable energy industry in South East Northumberland. It is also a welcome confirmation of the Government’s support for sustainable, low carbon energy projects which will make a significant contribution towards meeting the UK’s legally binding 2020 renewable energy targets.”

Construction is expected to start next year and would last around two and a half years.

The parent company of npower, RWE Generation, recently announced it is closing the Tilbury biomass power plant in Essex. Earlier this year the Government announced incentives for UK householders who generate heat from renewable technologies, including biomass boilers.

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