Green power station to be opened
March 19, 2008
First Minister Alex Salmond is to officially open a £90m biomass power station near Lockerbie.
Steven's Croft - owned and operated by E.ON - is the largest wood-fired facility of its kind in the UK.
Mr Salmond will tour the site and then switch on a meter which measures megawatts, carbon dioxide and the number of homes receiving energy.
Speaking ahead of the opening he said it was a "red-letter day" for biomass energy in Scotland.
Mr Salmond added: "Scotland's renewable energy potential is immense, and biomass is a small but vital part of that potential.
"Steven's Croft proves that we can create power from materials previously regarded as waste, while boosting the economy and improving sustainable management of our forests."
The plant - which converts waste timber products into energy - should supply enough power to meet the needs of about 70,000 homes.
Great news
Conservative MP for the area, David Mundell, has also welcomed the official opening.
He said: "It is great to see this area once again leading at the forefront of power technology - just as Chapelcross did 50 years ago.
"With the closure of Chapelcross, I am delighted that we still have energy production in the region and all the expertise that brings with it.
"This site is creating 50 jobs at Steven's Croft and is supporting 250 more and it is great news that the timber is being sourced locally."
Print this page