RES submits bid for 100MW power plant

Renewable energy developer RES has submitted its proposal to build a biomass-fired power plant in Northumberland, UK.

RES' bid could see the construction of a £250 million (€300 million), 100MW power station at Battleship Wharf on the River Blyth. According to RES, the plant will be able to generate renewable energy for around 170,000 households and slash CO2 emissions by 300,000 tonnes a year.

It is thought the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will accept the application, after which a number of public meetings will take place. This will enable organisations such as the county council and local residents to voice their opinions on the development.

The project has not proved popular with locals so far, with a number of people from nearby towns and villages protesting against the build. They believe the facility will be too large for the area, increasing pollution levels and the volume of traffic.

But RES says the power station will be a positive addition to the area, creating construction jobs for 200-300 people, as well as 50 permanent jobs when it becomes operational.

The new biomass power plant will feature 25m-tall storage facilities, a boiler house between 60-70m high and a 100m tall chimney.