A power station scheme in West Yorkshire has reached a 'major' milestone in its commissioning process.

The Ferrybridge Multifuel 1 (FM1) project has began exporting electricity to the grid for the first time.

The FM1 scheme is part of the Multifuel Energy Ltd (MEL) joint venture between SSE and Wheelabrator Technologies.

The plant burns a range of fuel sources to produce low carbon electricity, including waste-derived fuels from various sources of municipal solid, commercial and industrial waste.

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Once full commercial operations begin in late 2015, the plant will consistently produce enough electricity to power approximately 160,000 homes.

Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI) is the main contractor for the FM1 plant project.

Tom Maillet, Director of Engineering and Operations for MEL, said: "The plant is now nearing the end of the construction and commissioning phase and exporting electricity to the grid is a key milestone for the project.

"We expect the plant to be fully commercially operational within the coming months."

Franz-Josef Mengede, CEO of HZI, said: "We are proud to deliver a plant that sets a new standard in fuel flexibility, size and energy efficiency to our customer."

(LM/MH)