Another big biomass plant proposed for UK

Aug. 17, 2010, London, UK – 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 it has signed an option to lease a 20-acre
(8.1-hectare) 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 a development
consent order.

The
facility will require about 700,000 tonnes/year 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.

“Securing
this site at Southampton for our proposed 100-MW renewable energy power plant
is an important addition to our strong portfolio of sites,” said Helius chief
executive officer Adrian Bowles.

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.