The UK’s Port of Blyth has taken a large step towards securing a major development with the news that leading British renewable energy company RES has received planning permission for the construction of a £250 million+ biomass power station. The 100MW scheme will produce enough low carbon electricity to power over 170,000 homes and receive up to 0.5 million tonnes of sustainably sourced wood based fuel through the port’s Battleship Wharf terminal.
RES Project Manager Chris Lawson stated,“We are delighted by the government’s decision to grant permission for North Blyth Power Station, which we believe will play an important part in the strong and growing renewable energy
industry in South East Northumberland.” Port Chief Executive, Martin Lawlor added, “This is excellent news and re-affirms our position as one of the most prominent renewable energy related ports in the UK. Given our excellent facilities, experience and location we believe others will follow to join the significant cluster of organizations within the sector already established around the estuary.”
It is anticipated that work on the two-and-a-half year build will commence on site in early 2014 creating hundreds of jobs during the construction phase and having a long term positive impact on the port and wider regional economy.