Argus reported that UK based Helius Energy's plans to increase its biomass operations have moved forward after it secured land at Southampton port for a 100 MW plant.

Helius said that it has signed an option to lease a 20 acre site in the port for the proposed construction of the biomass fuelled power plant. The company intends to enter into consultation with the local community about the plans, before submitting an application to the government for planning approval. The exercise of the option to lease the site from Associated British Ports is subject to Helius securing of a development consent order.

The facility will require around 700,000 tonnes per annum of sustainably sourced biomass feedstock, a significant proportion of which will come through Southampton port. The site was chosen because it benefits from the existing port infrastructure and good quality road links.

Mr Adrian Bowles CEO of Helius said that "Securing this site at Southampton for our proposed 100MW renewable energy power plant is an important addition to our strong portfolio of sites. This is a further step on the way to delivering Helius' strategy to develop, own and operate a portfolio of biomass projects."

The company, which already plans to build a 100 MW plant in Bristol, is looking at other sites across the UK to build dedicated biomass plants. Helius received government approval for the Bristol plant in March but a Wales based campaign group has filed an application for a review of the planning permission.

Construction of the plant was expected to start after the conclusion of an engineering procurement program and Helius remains confident in its plans. Helius expects the Southampton plant to make a major contribution to the southeast of England's objective of a 20% cut in carbon emissions by 2020, if approved.

(Sourced from www.argusmedia.com)