50-MW Biomass Plant Planned in Scotland

A new 50 MW biomass-fueled co-generation plant is to be developed for papermaker Tullis Russell to supply its paper mill at Markinch, in Fife, Scotland, with heat and power.

The new facility will replace an existing coal-fired power plant at the Tullis Russell site and follows the signing of a multi-million pound deal the RWE npower renewables. 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.

Construction work will begin immediately and the power plant is scheduled to enter operation during 2012.

Paul Cowling, managing director of RWE npower renewables, said: “Our parent company RWE Innogy will invest around £200 million (US$300 million) in the biomass facility and we are also delighted to secure an additional £8.1 million ($12 million) support from the Scottish government for the project.”

Chris Parr, CEO of Tullis Russell Group added: “The plant will reduce our carbon footprint by 72% thereby significantly enhancing our credentials as an environmental leader in the production of boards within our chosen market sectors of cards, covers and premium packaging.”

Across Europe, RWE Innogy is aiming to build biomass plants with a total installed capacity of around 390 MW by 2013.

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