E.ON has unveiled further details and images of its biomass-fired renewable energy plant, which will begin construction at the end of November, at Blackburn Meadows near Sheffield.

The £120m renewable energy plant will be set near the site of the old Tinsley Towers, adjacent to Meadowhall, and when operational will generate up to 30MW, enough to power 40,000 homes, by converting recycled waste wood into electricity.

Dave Rogers, Regional Director for Renewables at E.ON, said: "The plans we've announced not only set out the final design of the power station but also confirm our intention to begin construction later this month.

"As our commitment to Sheffield demonstrates, we're leading the development of renewable energy in the UK and biomass power stations, such as Blackburn Meadows, form an important part of that low carbon solution."

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Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, said: "I recently visited Blackburn Meadows and I am pleased that construction of E.ON's new biomass renewable energy plant is now due to commence. This is great news for the area and will deliver a much needed boost for local jobs."

The site, situated approximately 5.5km north east of Sheffield city centre, has a strong heritage of power production and has excellent links to electricity infrastructure and transport networks.

E.ON will use UK sourced recycled waste wood to power the plant and, as far as is possible, will use local companies throughout the construction of the energy plant. It is expected that the site will create around 30 full-time jobs within the local area once operational in mid 2014.

E.ON will put in place a community benefits fund worth up to £25,000 a year to support local projects throughout the lifetime of the plant. E.ON is also working with Sheffield City Council on its public art competition and the company has committed £500,000 to the project which will create a permanent piece of art work for the area.

(CD)