Nevis Power - Development, Construction and Operation of a new 50MW Biomass Generation Site at Newport Bay
Welsh Power is planning the development of Nevis Power, a 50MW Biomass plant at Newport Docks. CECgeneration, Welsh Power’s owner of sub-50 MW assets, will be leading the development, which will be built and maintained by CEC (Welsh Power’s power engineering group).
The plant
The company intends to develop and install, commission and operate a green power plant using renewable fuel (biomass) capable of supplying electricity to around 50,000 homes in the Newport area. The plant will generate 50MW and will employ the best available technology to comply with the requirements of its IPPC (Integrated Pollution, Prevention and Control) authorisation and will be extremely efficient.
It is estimated that the development will take between 26 and 30 months to complete.
Biomass
The plant will be designed to handle the combustion of pure biomass fuels comprising a mix of primarily wood chip and energy crops. This sustainable fuel will provide a zero carbon eco footprint for the project.
The power station will consume approximately 380,000 tonnes per year of clean biomass, including energy crops.
The site
A 12 acre brown-field site for the biomass power project has been secured with Associated British Ports (ABP) at Newport Docks. Welsh Power has an excellent relationship with ABP and is currently one of their largest customers at Newport Docks. The Docks is a designated area for industrial works.
A Grid Connection is available at close proximity to the site boundary. This will be an overhead connection to the existing Uskmouth/Newport West/Trowbridge line with a substation located on the power station plot.
The location of the site is particularly advantageous for the delivery of biomass fuel, Newport’s South Dock can accommodate large shipments up to 44,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnes) that are more than sufficient to deliver the fuel demand for the Project.
Benefits for local economy and Wales
- The Biomass Power Plant will create up to 10 permanent jobs comprising technical, administration and managerial staff and create a further 20 jobs employed directly in the operation of the plant, creating an economic boost for the community.
- This development by Nevis Power is in response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s renewable energy recommendations and initiatives regarding the way forward to a leaner, greener and cleaner Wales.
- Project Feasibility studies have been completed and it is expected that planning permission for the scheme will be submitted to Newport City Council summer 2008.
Project Development Status
- The Planning Application received full consent from Newport City Council in January 2009.
- Biomass fuel sources and pre-qualification and assessment of fuel suppliers with the capability to support the Project are ongoing.
- Plant Engineering is now beyond the basic design stage and is now aimed at optimising the cycle efficiency.
- Key equipment suppliers are identified and negotiations are progressing.
- Pre-construction site works including erection of an acoustic barrier fence and the re-location of plants & insects to a nature reserve area within the site are planned for early spring 2009.
- A connection offer from Western Power Distribution has been accepted and their design is now progressing. The connection is likely to be an overhead route to the existing nearby 132kV overhead line.
- Pre-application discussions have commenced with the Environment Agency in respect to the Environmental Permit required to operate the plant.
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