RES Group Announces Biomass Plant for Liverpool

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--Liverpool is set to get a new power source, as the RES Group (Kings Langley, England) has announced plans to build a 340 million euro ($475 million) biomass plant at Alexandra Dock, in the Port of Liverpool.

The proposed plant will be capable of generating between 100 and 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity, depending on the outcome of the initial feasibility studies. Annually, the plant will be able to power the equivalent of 170,000 to 250,000 homes, while reducing CO2 emissions by 300,000 to 450,000 tonnes per year. An application will be made to the U.K.'s infrastructure planning commission, as the project is greater than 50 MW.

Earlier this month, Greg Barker, the U.K.'s climate change minister, referred to biomass as the country's "single most important" renewable energy resource, thanks to its ability to produce electricity, heat and biofuels. Biomass is predicted to generate half of the country's renewable energy needs by 2020.

"We see a crucial role for bioenergy at all scales because of its versatility in producing heat, electricity and transport biofuels," he said. "Biomass is the U.K.'s single most important renewable energy source. It also provides a controllable supply, irrespective of weather conditions. So unlike intermittent energy technologies such as wind power, it can provide both peak-load and base-load power."

Last week, the U.K. government announced its commitment to the Renewable Heat Incentive with £860 million ($1.36 billion) of funding, in anticipation of a 10-fold growth rate in the sector.

"We are delighted to make this announcement today, and look forward to working with Peel Ports and local and regional stakeholders to deliver this exciting project," said Johanna Doyle, the project manager for RES. "We have chosen the Alexandra Dock site, as it allows us to bring about 80% of the biomass fuel to the site by ship. This will help to ensure that road deliveries to the site are minimised, while using the skills and expertise that exist within the Port and local area. This project will contribute to wider regeneration and bring secure jobs to the region."

"We are delighted to be working with RES and look forward to them bringing their experience, capabilities and strong track record to this project," said Andy Martin, the chief estate surveyor for Peel Ports. "This project will bring significant benefits and green-collar jobs for the people of Sefton, Liverpool and the North West. The development supports the Port's strategic plans to contribute to the low-carbon economy."

In August, Helius Energy plc (LON:HEGY) (London, England) secured a site at the Port of Southampton in England for a proposed 100-MW biomass plant. For related news, see August 22, 2010, article - Biomass Plant Proposed for Southampton Port. Earlier in March, Helius received permission to build a 100-MW biomass plant at Avonmouth Dock, Bristol, in southwest England. For related news, see March 30, 2010, article - Green Light Given to 100-Megawatt Bristol Biomass Plant.

IIR's Renewable Energy Database provides extensive coverage on the wind energy, geothermal, hydroelectric, landfill gas-to-energy and utility-scale solar power plants throughout North America, and now expanding coverage across the world. Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is a marketing information service specializing in industrial process, energy and financial related markets with products and services ranging from industry news, analytics, forecasting, plant and project databases, as well as multimedia services.

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