London-based Evonik said the proposed facility would convert non-recyclable waste wood into renewable energy heat and electricity, which would be exported to the grid.
It claimed that there is a significant potential for excess heat to be used by the various neighbouring industries and said the joint venture company would be examining options with potential local heat users.
The biomass plant is set to use regionally sourced, low grade non-recyclable waste wood from construction and demolition, industrial uses and civic amenity sites. The partnership estimated that Kent alone could generate over 100,000 tonnes of waste wood each year.
Guido Droste, managing director of Evonik New Energies UK Ltd said, “By using regionally sourced, non-recyclable waste wood and Evonik's combined heat and power technology, this facility would provide a sustainable solution for managing waste wood in the region and go some way to help the UK meet its renewable energy targets”.
Exhibition
The companies said they would be consulting on various aspects of the proposals, using a mixture of public exhibition days, newsletters and presentations, and may also establish a community liaison group.
Following the local input, the two companies are set to submit a planning proposal to Kent County Council by the end of the year. They expect a planning decision early in 2010.
Part of the proposal will emphasise the benefits the companies feel a plant could bring to the local area. Evonik claimed that up to 30 permanent local jobs would be created at the site itself, as well as further jobs during the construction process and from supplying services and materials to the facility.
Chris Searles, director of Biomass Fuels Ltd said: “This is a great investment opportunity for the local area. This project would contribute to an increase in the prosperity of the region.”
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