Blackburn Meadows is now the third biomass plant in E.ON UK's generation portfolio and can provide enough energy to power around 40,000 homes. E.ON's £120 million investment in Blackburn Meadows has increased the energy company's mix of generation assets, helping to ensure future security of supply for the UK.
The 30MW renewable energy plant will convert locally sourced recycled waste wood into electricity, helping to reduce the impact energy generation has on the environment.
Work commenced on Blackburn Meadows in 2011 and since then, around 3,400 people have been involved in the construction process, including local contractors, helping to bring new jobs and investment to the area.
"After several years of hard work by the project team and our contractors it is a great feeling to be finally generating power," said Luke Ellis, E.ON's Blackburn Meadows Project Manager. "The next and final stage of the project is the reliability and performance testing phase which is due to be completed this summer."
Blackburn Meadows will also supply hot water to a new £20 million low-carbon district heating network, which is due to be completed in early 2015, and will supply heat directly to homes and businesses in the area.
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