Biomass Energy Centre 1.86

Biomass Energy Centre is a biomass fired CHP power station located in the town of Chilton in County Durham. Opened in 2011, the plant was developed, and then owned and operated by Veolia Energy-Dalkia.DevelopmentIn May 2009, Veolia Energy-Dalkia, who had a base in nearby Cramlington, Northumberland and had previously provided cogeneration (CHP) plants for the Newcastle General, Freeman and Royal Victoria Infirmary hospitals in Newcastle, announced their plans to build a biomass fueled CHP power station in the County Durham town of Chilton. The site chosen had previously been occupied by a feed mill and silo, which had been highly visible throughout the town and had come to be known locally as Chilton Cathedral. The new plant was expected to cost £40 million, half of which was to be spent within the North East region, on materials and components for the plant, aiding the local economy.Chilton Town Council voted unanimously in support of the plant, saying it would be a catalyst for the regeneration of the area, and this was supported by a 340 name petition from the local people. Planning permission was granted later that June and construction commenced in January 2010. 50 jobs were created during the construction of the plant, with 17 permanent jobs created following completion. Commissioning of the plant began in June 2011, taking three to four weeks to complete.