The Environment Agency has approved plans for the country’s largest biomass power station in Port Talbot, south Wales.
When completed, the Prenergy plant will produce enough electricity to supply half a million homes in the region. It will use wood chip to generate power and is expected produce 50% to 80% less greenhouse gas emissions than gas or coal-fired plant.
All wood used at the power station would be from sustainable sources, according to Tony Grayling, the Environment Agency’s head of climate change and sustainable development.
He said: “Biomass plants such as Prenergy’s Port Talbot power station will play an important role in helping combat climate change if the wood they burn is sourced sustainably.
“In the future we would like to see all biomass developers meet the high standards that have been set by Prenergy.”
The plant is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2011.
Steve Brown, Environment Agency Wales area manager, said the power station was given the green light after a lengthy evaluation process and discussions with local people.
He said: “We are confident that this power station meets the requirements of the current regulations governing its operation and that a permit can be issued.”
