Biomass facility for paper mill

A new biomass power plant has moved a step closer to reality with the signing of a multi-million pound deal between RWE npower renewables and papermaker Tullis Russell.

Once completed, the biomass-fuelled co-generation plant, which will have an installed capacity of 50MW, will supply Tullis Russell's paper mill at Markinch, Fife with heat and electricity.

Paul Cowling, managing director of RWE npower renewables, said: 'Our parent company RWE Innogy will invest around £200m in the biomass facility. We have also secured an additional £8.1m in support from the Scottish government for the project.'

The company claims that the plant, which will replace an existing coal-fired power plant, will reduce annual carbon emissions by 250,000 tonnes and generate six per cent of Scotland’s renewable generation targets.

Around 400,000 tonnes of virgin and used wood from a wide range of sources will be used to power the plant, with contracts being put in place with local and national companies for the supply of biomass.