UK-based Helius Energy’s plans to increase its biomass operations have moved forward after it secured land at Southampton port for a 100MW 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 700,000tpa 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. 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.
