Southampton City Council welcomes plans for a new energy plant

16 August 2010

Plans for a new biomass fuelled power generation plant in the city have moved forward.

Helius Energy and Associated British Ports have agreed terms on an option to lease a 20 acre site within the operational area of the Port, adjacent to Millbrook Railfreight Terminal and Millbook (Hants) railway station.

A new biomass plant, powered from wood products from environmentally sustainable sources, could power thousands of homes in the city and beyond.

The planned investment, of between £250-£300 million, could generate 40 long term green jobs for Southampton. The construction of the station could generate up to 250 jobs.

Councillor Matthew Dean, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Southampton City Council, said: “I am delighted that plans for a biomass power station in Southampton are moving forward.

“This is something Southampton City Council has long supported. We are already leaders in the field of sustainable energy, providing homes and businesses across the city with sustainable heat and power. This will only boost Southampton’s credentials as a sustainable city.

“We want to do all we can to build a strong low carbon economy in Southampton and become a hub for sustainable investment, creating new, green jobs. This news is a huge boost to our ambition.”

A new plant would contribute to the South East Plan objective of cutting its carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2020.

Helius Energy will now consult the public and the council before seeking a Development Consent Order on the site from the Infrastructure Planning Commission.

For further information:

Contact: Communications Unit, Southampton City Council, Civic Centre Southampton, SO14 7LY
Tel: 023 8083 2000
Email:communications@southampton.gov.uk