Waste-derived fuel plant set to power up

SSE and Wheelabrator Technologies have entered into a joint venture, Multifuel Energy, to develop the multi-fuel generation facility at SSE’s Ferrybridge power station.

Consent to develop the 68MW plant, which will use a range of waste-derived fuels to generate electricity and heat, was received from DECC in October 2011. When it goes in live in 2005, the electricity generated will be sold to SSE.

Multifuel Energy has entered into a long-term fuel procurement contract with 3SE – SSE’s joint venture with Shanks – which will provide processed fuels using waste taken from nearby Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils.

To support this contract, 3SE intends to build a mechanical biological treatment and anaerobic digestion complex nearby, subject to planning permission.

SSE’s managing director of generation, Paul Smith, said: “Multifuel technology is a tried and tested way of generating clean, base-load power.

“This new plant will make a useful contribution to ensuring we have reliable energy supplies for the future.”

Wheelabrator Technologies has won the contract to design, build and operate the multi-fuel facility.

Maxine Perella