Generator E.ON UK has started producing power from its 44 MW Steven's
Croft biomass facility in Lockerbie, Scotland for the first time, as the plant
undergoes final phase testing. The GBP90 million ($189 million) facility is
due to enter commercial operations in December.

Andy Carling, Steven's Croft project manager for E.ON, said Friday: "We
started generating electricity from the plant at just after six o'clock
yesterday evening--less than two years after we first broke ground on
the site."

"We've already tested the boiler and various other components, but
yesterday was the first time we've run everything together as we would during
full commercial operation."

"As part of the testing phase we've got to make sure that every part of
the plant is working correctly before we bring it online and we're delighted
with the results so far."

The plant can burn waste timber or energy crops grown by farmers.