Not sure if you guys have heard of this already, in which case apologies, but have a look at this:

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3154494&channel=783&c=1&encCode=0000000001a8b6f7

Designer Thomas Heatherwick is working on plans for a £150 million, 49 megawatt biomass power plant in Stockton-on-Tees, north-east England

The plans, which are for biomass power company Bio Energy Investments (BEI), were unveiled to local residents in Stockton this week. They mark the first time a high-profile designer has been appointed to help create a biomass power station.

The project, which is still in design development, will feature offices and landscaping, and visitor access to the plant will be central to the brief.

The plant will occupy a brownfield site on the banks of the river Tees, where an existing wharf will be used for all fuel deliveries.

The area around Stockton and neighbouring Middlesbrough already houses one working biomass power plant, and two more, by Gaia Power and MGT Power, have planning permission.

“Over recent decades we have neglected the cultural contribution industrial infrastructure can make to our society,” said Heatherwick. “Now, with the impetus of alternative energy production, we have an opportunity to make new power buildings updated to fit this age.

“It is exciting to be working with BEI to redefine this type of building and celebrate energy production again.”

Biomass power plants, which burn wood chip or pellets of specially farmed crops, have been met with a mixed reaction by green lobbyists, many of whom are worried about the use of farmland for fuel production and the emissions created by transporting and burning the fuel.

Earlier this week, global warming protesters from Climate Camp Cymru were removed by police after scaling a biomass power plant in Port Talbot, Wales.

Ben Humphries, an associate at green practice Architype Associates, expressed concerns about the viability of the power source.

“The whole notion of a biomass power station is a bit odd,” he said. “The carbon footprint is less than coal or oil but the supply of fuel is a big issue. And there are cleaner forms of energy.

“Councils in London are already starting to turn down developments with biomass boilers because the air quality is going down.”

An outline planning application for Heatherwick’s scheme is due to be submitted at the end of this month.

Heatherwick has a real pedigree (ignoring the B For Bang, which although a great piece of sculpture had engineering problems) for producing exciting buildings and structures that changes the way people look at things. Obviously he'll only be designing the skin of the building, but I think this will be a real landmark for Stockton, challenging people's perceptions of power stations (which, as part of a wider group of big infrastructural/industrial structures, Teesside is so well known for) and green energy.

I've heard a bit about this, but not much. Thanks for posting.

I'm not sure of the exact location of this. But seems promising and i can't wait to see some renders? Can't even imagine what it will look like!!!

This has just made me remember of a new plant (not sure what for) which is to be built at Wilton, the only thing i know is its 2 billion investment in the area, does anyone know any more on this?

I'll see if i can find out the location of this Power Plant, sounds promising, and hopefully will create a good few jobs for the area too. :)

I knew i'd seen it somewhere! This could be amazing! :nuts:

THE Teesside skyline could get a striking new addition under plans for a new £150m green power station.

The proposed biomass power station, which is being developed by Bio Energy Investments Ltd (BEI), would be built on a site at Clarence Works, Port Clarence - directly over the River Tees from Middlehaven.

And BEI have chosen one of the UK’s leading design studios, Heatherwick Studio, to develop plans for the site which will reflect the scale and spirit of the Tees Valley regeneration.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/gazettelive2/dec2009/4/3/biomass-location-map-159876158.jpg
Map highlights in red where the iconic structure will go

The team have not yet released the proposed design for the new biomass power station.

But the Gazette has had a sneak preview. The futuristic-looking structure can be best described as a volcano shaped tower, with viewing platforms cut into the side. Landscaped earthworks climb the side of the tower.

The 49 megawatt plant will generate enough power for 50,000 homes saving 140,000 tonnes a year of carbon dioxide through use of carbon neutral “biomass” – clean woodchip.

The plant would be able provide energy for local businesses and has potential to provide carbon neutral heat and power to nearby Middlehaven – supporting the developers in achieving their goal of creating a zero-carbon community.

The location of the power station will allow ships to utilise the existing wharf next to the site for all the fuel deliveries, ensuring no fuel will be delivered in lorries. This will significantly reduce the impact on local roads when the plant operates.

As well as more than £150m of investment to the area, it will also create up to 40 new jobs at the plant and 200 during construction and reinvigorate a derelict brownfield site which has not been used in more than 50 years.

Matthew Day, who is the project director for the development, said: “Teesside is building a reputation as one of the leading producers of Green energy in Britain.

“This project will provide a reliable source of low-carbon energy for the area, but we also plan to make the building a resource for the community where students, residents and visitors can access the plant and learn more about renewable energy.

“Heatherwick Studio has brought a level of design and artistic thinking rarely associated with this typology of building and we are looking forward to working with the local community in developing the plans.”

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/gazettelive2/dec2009/0/8/the-east-beach-caf-littlehampton-928591263.jpg
The East Beach Café, Littlehampton

Heatherwick Studio is well known for combining function with pioneering design and have been charged with incorporating visitor access into the heart of the plant.

Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio said: “Industrial buildings cover great swathes of the British landscape, but over recent decades, the trend has been to disguise these functions under enormous hangers.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/gazettelive2/dec2009/4/4/british-pavilion-shanghai-expo-2010-285664855.jpg
British Pavilion, Shanghai Expo 2010

“Our client has taken a very forward thinking approach to the project, and has aims to build a plant that will form a part of the landscape and be a source of jobs and pride for the community.”

Completed projects from the design studio include the RIBA National award-winning East Beach Café, in Littlehampton, Longchamp’s La Maison Unique flagship store in New York, the British Pavilion, Shanghai Expo 2010 – currently in construction - and the internationally renowned Rolling Bridge in London.

Following consultation with public and planners, BEI aim is to submit a planning application to Stockton Council at the end of the year.

The application includes an Environmental Impact Assessment to ensure it can be built and operate with no adverse effects on the local community. Building could start at the end of 2010.



http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/12/02/leading-designer-to-create-biomass-plant-84229-25304098/

"The futuristic-looking structure can be best described as a volcano shaped tower, with viewing platforms cut into the side. Landscaped earthworks climb the side of the tower."
Sounds amazing! I wonder what sort of height we can expect? :nuts::banana::cheers:

This sounds brilliant... I'd love to see something like this in Newcastle! Although I'd happily have any green power infrastructure to be fair.

Great to see that Teesside is breaking to mold of seeing industry/power as something ugly and dirty that should be gotten rid of or hidden... It has to go somewhere and it's part of life, so it should be celebrated.

Exactly! And the way it seems to be going, we could be in for a surprise. The possibility of an unlikely iconic building for the North East that will become the image of our area, to stand a long side our other amazing structures!

As you can tell from the location its next door to the Transporter Bridge, Riverside Stadium, Temenos, Middlehaven development and will be an amazing addition to the Middlesbrough skyline! (even though we haven't even seen what it looks like yet! :P)

I have always though that these industrial structures should be celebrated, i think it would be great if they would have some sort of massive artwork on the huge Cooling Towers on Teesside, along with the ICI tower and all of the gas rigs. Would look amazing,a dn should be something we are proud of as it is what built our area and the UK (inc. rest of the world in the industrial revolution)!

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/468xAny/y/j/w/Heatherwick_biomass.jpg

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=426&storycode=3155526

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for finding this, didn't even realise they had released any renders.

If this is built, it will be one of the most stricking buildings in the UK!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for finding this, didn't even realise they had released any renders.

If this is built, it will be one of the most stricking buildings in the UK!

Got emailed the link today by a mate who has been working on it. It's amazing looking isn't it? :)

I suggested to a colleague today that Gordon Strachan, Julio Arca and Justin Hoyte could be used as biomass to power it ;)

Yes brilliant! Your mates working on it!?!?!? wow! whos he work for?

Think this article should be put on skyscrapernews.com!

Yes brilliant! Your mates working on it!?!?!? wow! whos he work for?

Heatherwick

Great! Maybe you might be able to get some more inside info. off him when we get closer to a construction date?!?!? :P

Wonder how tall this will be, looks as if it will be pretty big! Will be a fantastic backdrop for the Transporter Bridge and a great addition to the Teesside skyline. Should be able to get some brilliant photos, especially if there is a good lighting scheme at night! :)

If all the buildings that are planned for the Middlehaven site and close by like this Biomass power station actually get constructed they could visually change the face of Teesside .
Im excited about seeing these things happen :)

If all the buildings were built, EXACTLY to there plans, all within a close time period, this part of the country would look the most futuristic by far. It wouldn't have the best skyline in terms of height, but it would have the most interesting and diverse skyline by far!
The problem is, not likely that many will be built, but if they were, people would have to take notice of Teesside, for the right reasons instead of the constant negativity it gets.

At least if the Biomass development gets plans submitted they are taking it seriously.Surely the first cubes at Middlehaven must be starting next year! it must be three years now since they were submitted ,if not what was it all about

Yes, but we have seen many many times planning applications go in and then it not even get anywhere near construction. I am looking forward to seeing this application though as it will hopefully give us a bit more detail about the structure. It has hardly been covered in the local media.
We've been saying this about Middlehaven for ages now! If they did start the first cubes then it would start to look a bit more built up, especially with the completion of Hudson Quay 2 as well. I have tried to contact Bio Region Quintain, but had no reply, maybe you might have better look, just asking if they have any information on a construction start date?

The thing is, there's money in energy, so persumably there's no real question about whether this will be built if permission is granted.

And I can't for one second think of a reason why it shouldn't - there's plenty of uglier industrial/power-production buildings nearby that walked through planning.

If this goes through it could really put Stockton on the map. Great stuff.

Here's another article with more photos on it by the way:
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/12/21/bei-teesside-power-plant-by-heatherwick-studio/#more-57682

At last heres some stuff about this in The Gazette

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/12/22/designs-revealed-for-green-power-plant-on-tees-84229-25448035/

that is brilliant. this lot are building a biomass plant on tyneside too, i wish it would look like this!

^ whats that one look like then?

Yep, i think it will be built, unlike Middlehaven as its a totally different sort of development. It will join the Infinity Bridge in being the Icon for Stockton/Teesside. The Teesside skyline is becoming quite unique and easily recognizable. :)

Once i've read those artilces i'll add the photos on here that haven't already been posted.

It's something I bang on about until everyone's bored silly, but it does just show what happens when you use decent architects, designers and/or artists.

Plus it's great that something like this might change some people's perceptions, even at a national level, of sustainable energy.

Exactly! If only it could of been done to the many other Industrial buildings on Teesside; it would be a tourist attraction! I think they should use the side of the massive cooling towers and ICI tower as a showcase for artists work that would be illuminated at night. That would look amazing!

The EFW plant in Haverton Hill is being extended. They are building two more lines which will effectivly make this - combined with lines 1-3 existing - a power plant. Work will be starting soon by Sita.

With the Biomass and the EFW plant i reckon Teesside could be totally green, then i remembered all the other factorys in Haverton Hill. Doh.

Would love to see what the Tyneside one is going to look like.

Which ones the EFW plant then? Where'd you get this info.?

Thanks for posting this, looking forward to seeing construction start. :P

Which ones the EFW plant then? Where'd you get this info.?

Thanks for posting this, looking forward to seeing construction start. :P

The EFW (Energy from waste plant) is the blue one next to the household waste recycling centre. The plan is to build an identical plant along side the existing plant. Plans and scale models are present at SITA Teeside EFW Plant

Taken from the SITA UK Intranet page:

Plans announced for new energy-from-waste facility in Tees Valley

SITA UK is consulting on plans to develop a new energy-from-waste (EfW) facility on land adjacent to our existing facility in Tees Valley.

The proposed facility - called the North East Energy Recovery Centre (NEERC) - will manage up to 256,000 tonnes of household and commercial waste each year.

Graham Ingleson, General Manager at the Tees Valley EfW facility said: "This will be an important development for the north east region and will help confirm the Tees Valley as a centre for energy recovery.

"This project represents a major investment by SITA UK in the Tees Valley and the proposal comes at a time when energy-from-waste is increasingly being acknowledged as a preferred method for dealing with waste that cannot be recycled or composted. It will provide hundreds of jobs during construction and around forty new full-time skilled jobs will be created to operate the Centre.

"The NEERC is an example of a new generation of facility that will produce renewable energy and reduce the need for landfill in the region. It will produce the equivalent electricity required to power a town the size of Hartlepool and also provide heat that can be piped to local industries, helping to reduce their energy needs and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

"We will be holding an exhibition to introduce our plans to key partners, stakeholders and residents living in near the proposed plant. We are keen to ensure that our neighbours understand exactly what we would like to build and to explain how the new state of the art NEERC will work."

Following the consultation period, a formal planning application is likely to be submitted to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council in the early summer.

Key facts about the NEERC

The NEERC will have a number of environmentally sustainable features:

Emissions will comply with the stringent requirements of the Waste Incineration Directive.

21 MW of electricity will be generated and exported to the National Grid. The electricity generated from the biogenic fraction of the waste is considered as a renewable form of energy.

Heat can be exported to nearby industries increase efficiency and sustainability. Built into the new development will be the option to export heat to a local user should one be identified.

Ash will be recycled at the adjacent plant and used as an aggregate for road building.
Metals will be extracted from the ash and recycled.

Included in the development will be a railhead, which means that waste can be transported to the site by rail and the number of road journeys can be minimised.

Ah, thanks for that. Seems quite promising, and at least its pumping a bit of money into the region!

Another great development for Teesside - where are we going to get some green energy up here in Newcastle?!

Its all ours...mwahhhh! :P There's plans from the same people, so hopefully somethings thats as impressive. :) Its the impact and the way it will improve the skyline as well which also makes it a brilliant development.

Another great development for Teesside - where are we going to get some green energy up here in Newcastle?!

There are plans to build a EFW in South Tyneside which will handle South Shields, Gateshead and Sunderlands waste. (I'm pretty sure its a EFW or that type) Sita are in the last two bidders to run it.

North Tynesides waste goes to landfill
Newcastles waste gets recycled into a compost with all metals taken out
Northumberlands waste goes into Teesside EFW
Teessides waste goes into Teesside EFW
South Tynesides Waste goes to landfill
Sunderlands waste goes to landfill

So far only 3 councils out of the lot are really heavy on the recycling part and reducing the amount going to landfill. Shocking really.

When i get 5 I will post a good description with photos of what happens to your waste from start to finish. I cando this with Newcastles process and with a bit of help i can do it with Teessides/Northumberlands waste if people are interested.

^ Actually this would help with my college coursework if you could give any information on this, even the Newcastle one! I can also help with the Teesside one too?

^ Actually this would help with my college coursework if you could give any information on this, even the Newcastle one! I can also help with the Teesside one too?

OK Give me a few days to get the information together. I started taking pictures today but the batterys died after only a few.

I'll try and answer any questions you have to help with your course.

Thanks a lot. Looking forward to seeing this. We start our research next week i think so should know what i need to do then. :)

that is brilliant. this lot are building a biomass plant on tyneside too, i wish it would look like this!

It was rejected wasnt it?, well according to bigchris it was.

This plant looks fantastic btw!:)

It was rejected wasnt it?, well according to bigchris it was.

This plant looks fantastic btw!:)

pretty sure it hasn't even gone in for planning. there was a smaller biomass plant rejected in wallsend.

pretty sure it hasn't even gone in for planning. there was a smaller biomass plant rejected in wallsend.

Ah right, that was the one I was thinking of. Where abouts will this other one be?

Wonder how many jobs these are going to create for the region? I bet not as many as we would hope.

Has the outline application made submitted yet? It was supposed to be going in at the end of last month. BTW, which council is responsible for this area? Billingham?

It must of gone in, i haven't seen it on the planning website, but haven't looked much and not all get put on. Its Stockton Borough Council, Billingham is part of Stockton Council.

Right, I 've got it. The application was submitted on 17/12/2009 for environmental impact assessment, so it's at a fairly early stage (the number is: 09/3050/EIS). "Erection of 49 MWe biomass fueled power station, with associated vehicle access and conveyor"

http://www.developmentcontrol.stockton.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KUSSKCPK0B900&searchtype=SPEC

Go to associated documents to view the application. The section marked "DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT (BATCH 3)" contains some interesting renderings of the plant:
http://www.planningwam.stockton.gov.uk/WAM133/showCaseThumbnail.do;jsessionid=E86F074A1FCEA161FD40D5815B2447CF?action=thumbnails&appType=Planning&docid=1458580

This thing is going to be absolutely enormous. Just looking at the size of the people on those renderings (there's a close up), I'd estimate the 'floor' height or each of the 15 or so bands to be around 6-8m, which would put this at 90-120m tall. That's probably way out, but when you think that anything over 60m is going to make a significant impact on the skyline, this is going to be a huge building.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/biomass1.jpg

I don't think you're a million miles out on the height... Either way, it's going to be huge, although there's plenty of industrial facilities in the Teesside area that are visible from miles away, so at least this one will have a certain beauty to it I guess?

The application also suggests lighting effects could be used, in addition to an aircraft warning light on top.

Thanks for finding that! I will go and study those documents!!! :P

Brilliant render, notice the Riverside Stadium in the bottom left? If it was around that height it would be absolutely amazing! And yes, anything over even 50m will make a significant impact on the skyline, making it incredibly unique, even though it is already.

It'll be the best looking by far, although some of those plants do have there own appeal, especially at night where they look like a futuristic city! Not sure if this would become the tallest of all the industrial structures? Anyone know the height of the ICI tower and those massive cooling towers etc.? Would give us a gage on just how tall this is going to be!

The application also suggests lighting effects could be used, in addition to an aircraft warning light on top.

Just spotted this post, WOW! Imagine the skyline :banana::nuts: This could be amazing, especially when you consider Middlehaven being there as well, with all the high rises and other buildings been lit up there too, brilliant! :nuts:

This has been given the green light by SBC: http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/tm_campaign=Gazettelive_email_gazette-live-email%3A20100318%26headline=jobs-hope-as-stockton-council-approves-four-major-projects%26method=full%26objectid=26059514%26siteid=84229-name_page.html?campaign=Gazettelive_email_gazette-live-email%3A201003182010/03/18/jobs-hope-as-stockton-council-approves-four-major-projects-84229-26059514/2/2010/03/18/jobs-hope-as-stockton-council-approves-four-major-projects-84229-26059514/2/ :D :D :D

So far so good. The negative comments on the gazettelive forum all appeared to relate to school places and not about the 'volcano' which is good news as well. The next step will be to sumbit a full detailed planning application and find the money to get this thing built. This is one of the most exiting projects in the country as far as I'm concerned.

Yep, but people will still complain about this, i'm sure they will find something!!!

I agree, for me it IS the most exiting project in the country, and 99% of the people on SSC wont even be aware of it and never will be, fingers crossed it happens, its looking very promising at the moment though!!! :)

It's going to be difficult for anyone to successfully oppose this for visual reasons (or environmental reasons) when it's set against the backdrop of the ICI plant, even at 100m tall. I just can't see this falling through at the planning stages. It's the funding issue that's key here.

I wouldn't have thought funding would be a problem. There's still a big (and rising market for energy, so it won't be affected in the same way a lot of other areas of construction have been. Plus there's be grants galore for building sustainable power.

Yep, it will still be complained about by thew locals no doubt.

Found this good high rise interior render notice The Transporter Bridge and Temenos:

http://*************************/images/jpgs/england/teesside_power_station_h221209_2.jpg

As you can see its quite away up anbd it must be the lower viewing platform as oyu can see:

http://*************************/images/jpgs/england/teesside_power_station_h221209_1.jpg
as it is on the west side.

Lets hope this goes ahead

It could be pretty amazing. The structures we would have round there!!! Especially with the improvements to TB with the external glass lift, imagine this area lit up on a night, WOW!
Can anyone give me the link to the planning app. i can't find it?

Am i right in thinking that this render is the lower observation point?

I can't see this strucutre being anything less than the tallest structure in the area, barring that i don't knbow the heights of any of the industrial structures such as Haverton Hill Cooling Towers or the ICI Tower, which im guessing are much bigger than CNE at 70m.

DOes anyone know if this has started yet? According to Gaia Power webiste work is due to start early 2010, take 30-36 months and be open in summer 2012.

DOes anyone know if this has started yet? According to Gaia Power webiste work is due to start early 2010, take 30-36 months and be open in summer 2012.

Havent heard about this one for a while, is it meant to be over the river from the football ground?

Well yes, as far as i'm aware thats where its to be built.

Who changed the thread name with height etc.? And where did they get this info. from?

I haven't heard any news on the Biomass Plant for ages now, i wonder if its cancelled or on hold.

Lack of funds threat to Teesside Biomass Plant
by Jez Davison, Evening Gazette, June 9th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nebusiness/jun2011/4/9/an-artist-s-impression-of-the-biomass-power-station-83558090.jpg

THE COMPANY behind a £150m biomass station on Teesside has threatened to pull the scheme unless it gets financial support from the Government.

In late 2009, Bio Energy Investments announced plans to build a 49 megawatt plant on a derelict brownfield site at Port Clarence, directly over the River Tees from Middlehaven.

At the time BEI said the facility would create 40 jobs and be capable of generating enough green energy to power 50,000 homes.

But those plans have been put on the back burner indefinitely and the company is in the process of being wound up.

BEI said its decision to postpone the scheme was made after attempts to access Government funding had hit a brick wall.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “The company is being wound up due to the lack of Government funding for the project.

“Further progress will be dependent on changes in the economic and trading situation.

“The decision to progress with the project will be dependent on financial support locally and nationally.”


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/06/09/lack-of-funds-threat-to-teesside-biomass-plant-51140-28848826/

Plans for Port Clarence biomass plant collapse
by Iain Laing, The Journal, June 10th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nebusiness/jun2011/9/0/the-design-for-bio-energy-investments-plant-in-middlesbrough-256873774.jpg
The design for Bio-Energy Investments' plant in Middlesbrough

PLANS for a £150m biomass power station on Teesside have collapsed. The company behind it says it failed to win the public funding it needed.

The power station is designed to take biomass in the form of reprocessed pine kernel shells and wood chips and convert it into electricity.

Developer Bio Energy Investments said it is going out of business and has shelved the strikingly designed plan it unveiled in 2009 for a 49-megawatt plant on a derelict brownfield site at Port Clarence.

BEI had hoped the facility would create 200 jobs in the construction and 40 long-term jobs at the site of the former Clarence Iron Works and would be capable of generating enough green energy to power 50,000 homes. But the company said that it could work to revive the plan on which it was due to have started work at the end of last year ... if it could raise more money.

A spokesman for the firm said: “The company is being wound up due to the lack of government funding for the project. Further progress will be dependent on changes in the economic and trading situation. The decision to progress with the project will be dependent on financial support locally and nationally.”

He said the BEI management would consider restarting the company – albeit under a different trading name – if support was forthcoming. London-based architect and design firm Heatherwick Studio, which provided the initial plans and the striking design for the site, said it was “hopeful” other investors would step in.


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2011/06/10/plans-for-port-clarence-biomass-plant-collapse-51140-28854707/

Biomass power stations could threaten wood industry jobs
by John Hill, The Journal, January 4th 2012


CHIPBOARD manufacturer Egger UK has warned the UK’s subsidies to large biomass power stations could have a drastic effect on wood-related industries.

The Hexham-based company has said around 8,700 jobs in industries such as forestry, sawmilling, construction and furniture-making could be threatened by Government biomass incentives in the Renewables Obligation, with wood prices rising by 55% over the last five years. It has called for urgent talks with energy minister Charles Hendry, and spoke at a meeting in the House of Commons about the “serious ramifications” facing the sector.

Egger UK employs 550 staff, but believes wood-based industries are being “irreparably damaged” as they look to absorb the rising material costs caused by rising demand for timber.

Joint managing director Bob Livesey said: “We have already seen Rio Tinto Alcan announce major job losses in this region brought about by increasing energy costs due to impending environmental legislation and don’t want Egger and the rest of the wood panel sector to be the next casualty of flawed Government energy policy.

Campaigners are looking to amass the 100,000 signatures needed to spark a House of Commons debate on the issue, and have set up an online petition to attract members of the public to the cause. Energy minister Charles Hendry gave consent to a waste wood biomass power station in Yorkshire just before Christmas, bringing the number of power stations approved in 2011 to 15. This is the most since the Electricity Act came into force in 1989.


Read More - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2012/01/04/biomass-power-stations-could-threaten-wood-industry-jobs-51140-30055348/