An opportunity for Northumberland Woodlands?
By Peter Dodd, Vice-Chair of County Committee
Plans are being put forward for a new biomass power station at the Port of Blyth. The company behind the project is RES Ltd with an impressive record of renewable energy projects worldwide. At 100MW capacity the project will generate renewable power equivalent to the annual electricity demand of approximately 170,000 homes, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and bring jobs to the area.
RES believe that biomass market can offer opportunities for improving the management of woodlands of all sizes. Low value materials – brash, thinnings etc – can be utilised. The company intend to source some material locally, so these may well be an incentive for local woodland owners to manage their land and provide work to the biomass station. RES have been in discussion with some local estate owners, with a view to planting native species to establish woodlands specifically to supply biomass fuel, or incorporating the possibility within their larger timber harvesting practices. They are keen to talk to other woodland owners about possible contacts for supplies of biomass fuel. RES intends to establish a community fund available to local communities, charities and similar bodies. Such a fund could enable the planting of woodlands for the benefit of the local community.
All of these aspects of the project sound like good news for the people of Blyth and some areas of Northumberland. The County Committee certainly intends to follow this project with great interest and encourage its development in appropriate ways.
Webmaster's note: For more information about this project visit the the project web site.
