Member Article

Renewable energy operator dashes hopes of multi-million Blyth power development

A renewable energy provider says it has stopped worked on the construction of its biomass power station at the Port of Blyth, resulting a loss of hundreds of millions of pounds for the area.

Hertfordshire-based RES Group said 300 construction job opportunities and 50 full time, long-term operational jobs at the plant and annual Community Benefit Fund will also be lost.

The company blamed the withdrawal of a key partner in the scheme for their back-track, and criticised uncertain Government energy policy for the move.

RES’ chief operating officer for the UK Gordon MacDougall stated: “Despite the support the project enjoys locally due to the significant benefits it would bring to the local and regional economy, the North Blyth Biomass Power Station currently faces insurmountable investment barriers due to uncertain Government energy policy.

“It’s bitterly disappointing for RES that we are unable to bring this exciting project forward, and deliver the significant boost it would have represented for the Blyth and Northumberland economy.

“However, the gradual erosion of support for dedicated biomass leaves us with no other option.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .