E.ON starts work on waste-wood biomass plant

Energy minister Charles Hendry attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a waste-wood fuelled biomass plant at Blackburn Meadows near Sheffield yesterday (March 7).

The 120 million plant is being developed by energy giant E.ON approximately 5.5km north East of Sheffield city centre and when operational will generate up to 30MW by converting waste woodchip into electricity.

The waste wood is being sourced from local authorities and businesses under a long-term contract with Lancashire-based wood recycler Plevin & Sons, which Plevins has described as the most lucrative contract in its 38 year history (see letsrecycle.com story).

Mr Hendry, said: I am pleased to be here to break the first ground for the building of a new biomass power station. The project will not just provide secure, low carbon energy from waste wood, it will support hundreds of jobs in construction too. The companys plans for a visitor centre and a community benefits package will help give local people a real sense of ownership of the plant.

Tim Forrest, head of biomass at E.ON, added: Were pleased that the minister has recognised the significance of our investment in this development, both for Sheffield and for the UK. Were committed to developing renewable energy and biomass power stations such as Blackburn Meadows form a very important part of that low carbon solution.

E.ON received planning permission for the biomass plant in July 2008 and began clearing the site in November 2011. It is expected that the site will create around 30 full-time jobs within the local area once operational in mid 2014.

The company already owns and operates a 44MW dedicated biomass plant at Steven’s Croft, near Lockerbie which also burns wood including waste material – in place of traditional fuels like coal and gas. The plant has been operating since 2007 (see letsrecycle.com story).

At Blackburn Meadows, E.ON said it would put in place a community benefits fund worth up to 25,000 a year to support local projects throughout the lifetime of the plant, enhance the appearance and biodiversity of the area through landscaping and construct an onsite visitor centre, which will show how energy is produced as well as highlighting the industrial heritage of the site.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Sheffield city council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We’re pleased to see the construction beginning on site and we continue to support E.ON’s investment in the city. The council is committed to working with the private sector to develop renewable energy projects to reduce carbon emissions and to ensure the security of energy supplies in the longer term.”