Straw power planned

Welsh renewable energy company Eco2 is planning a 40MW straw-fired biomass plant on the grounds of a disused sugar beet factory in North Lincolnshire.

Plans for the £80m Brigg Renewable Energy Plant are currently on show as part of a public consultation which will inform the final design before planning permission is sought.

The power plant will be fuelled by 240,000 tonnes of straw annually, sourced from wheat production residue in the local area. Ash from the plant will be recycled as fertiliser.

Eco2 estimates the plant could contribute £6m to the local economy, creating 30 jobs in plant operation and a further 50 in fuel supply.

The company filed an application for a similar 40MW straw-fired generation plant at Sleaford in Lincolnshire last year.