British government approves biomass power plant

The British government has given approval for a power plant to be built in Yorkshire, generating power from biomass and waste.

SSE Generation has invested £250 million (€287 million) into the development and about 350 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase.

The project will be built within the existing Ferrybridge coal power station site with SSE working with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to build the 108MW facility.

The project will gather waste from nearby councils such as Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster as part of a joint venture formed with Shanks and will generate both electricity and heat from the feedstock.

The development is due to breakground at the beginning of 2012, with the majority of the works beginning in October 2012. The completion date is scheduled for the beginning of 2015.

The coal-powered station is due to close in 2015 and this development will replace it. SSE also plans to trial a carbon caption facility at Ferrybridge Power Station, working with Doosan Power Systems and Vattenfall for the trial.

Charles Hendry, minister of state for energy, says: ‘The energy industry can be a real driver of growth across the country. Some £200 billion of investment is needed in the energy industry over the coming decade, representing remarkable opportunities for companies in the UK.

‘This plant…is a further example of our determination to clear the backlog of planning applications, to stimulate growth and enhance our energy security.’