Back in 2008 E.ON was given the green light to build a then £60m plant on the site of a former coal-fired power station.

Planned for a site outside Sheffield called Blackburn Meadows the plant was originally targeted as 25MW and was meant to go into operation this year.

However, ‘Big Six’ energy giant E.ON today unveiled new details and images of its biomass-fired energy plant, which will begin construction at the end of November, with a new price tag of £120m .

E.ON regional director for renewables, Dave Rogers, said: “The plans we’ve announced not only set out the final design of the power station but also confirm our intention to begin construction later this month.

“As our commitment to Sheffield demonstrates, we’re leading the development of renewable energy in the UK and biomass power stations, such as Blackburn Meadows, form an important part of that low carbon solution.”

E.ON has pledged to use UK sourced recycled waste wood to power the plant and, as far as is possible, will use local companies throughout the construction of the energy plant.

It is expected that the site will create around 30 full-time jobs when it goes online from 2014.

Luke Walsh

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