Construction work has begun on a new renewable energy development in Kent that will be powered by biomass. The project is being developed by Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor (BWSC), which is a Danish firm.

The new site will be located in Sandwich's Discovery Park, and the build schedule is expected to last for two years, creating up to 300 construction jobs locally during the development phase and ongoing permanent jobs once operational.

When it is online, the biomass facility will produce the full heat and power requirements for the technology park in which it is located, using fuel that has been sourced from different wood sources, including locally grown coppicing.

The Discovery Park is a local centre for innovation, and the new agreement to progress with the biomass plant represents significant local investment in the site. It also positions the park as an entirely green-energy-based site. Some of the knock-on benefits will include additional sustainability for Kent, local jobs and ongoing economic advantages, particularly via the local supply chain. The plant is expected to launch next January.

Ramboll Wins Biomass Consultancy Deal

Meanwhile, in Lynemouth, Ramboll has won a new contract to deliver engineering consultancy to the coal-to-biomass conversion development at the 390MW power station in north-east England. The company will provide a range of services, including design review, programme management, safety programmes, ongoing construction and site management. Other key contractors have been appointed for detailed design services and specialist construction elements.

Lynemouth uses wooden pellets for its biomass fuel and offers fuel storage on-site. It also has a new dedicated biomass import facility located at Newcastle's Port of Tyne, providing smooth and guaranteed port-to-plant delivery logistics and knock-on economic benefits to the local supplier network.