Hertfordshire-based renewable energy company RES is now tendering for the EPC contract to build the wood-fuelled plant at Battleship Wharf in Northumberland’s Blyth Estuary.

Once operational the 100MW power station will be able to generate low carbon electricity to power the equivalent of over 170,000 households every year.

North Blyth Biomass Power Station is RES’ first biomass development. Project Manager Chris Lawson said: “We will continue to work with local residents and business, as we move towards starting construction next year. We also look forward to engaging with local people on the Community Benefit Fund that the project will bring.”

As a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’, the North Blyth Biomass Power Station has been subject to extensive scrutiny and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, from local councils, business and environmental and statutory bodies through to national government. RES has also engaged extensively with the local communities around the project over the last four years.  Lawson continues:

A Department of Energy and Climate Change 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.”