Morgan Cole’s energy and environment team have recently been instructed by Nevis Power Limited, part of the Welsh Power Group to provide legal support in connection with a proposed Biomass power station at Newport Docks.

Proposals

Nevis Power have now submitted the proposals to build the £140m power station to Newport Council. The Plant will be designed to be "ultra-efficient" using biomass fuels comprising a mix of primarily wood chip and energy crops.

The sustainable fuel will provide a zero carbon eco footprint for the project which will be capable of supplying electricity to around 50,000 homes in the Newport area.

In addition to a boost of up to 200 construction jobs at its peak, Nevis Power will create 30 permanent management, technical, administration and operational jobs.

Alex Lambie, chief executive of Welsh Power said:

"Welsh Power is proud to be at the forefront of 100% green power in Wales. South Wales needs new generation, and one of our most important goals is to contribute to the Welsh Assembly’s aim of energy self-sufficiency for Wales, as well as investing here and creating skilled jobs.

We have consulted extensively with all the interested environmental bodies, and pride ourselves on the fact that Nevis Power is designed to have a zero carbon footprint, and will use the very best available technology to maximise its efficiency and keep it 100% green."

The development has been specifically designed to minimise the impact on the local environment, including keeping road traffic to a minimum.

Nevis Power hopes to commence construction once planning permission has been awarded by Newport City Council, and it is estimated that the development will take between 24 and 29 months to complete.

Morgan Cole construction partner Paul Millar, commented that

"Morgan Cole are delighted to be working in this exciting project which draws on the experience of various disciplines across the firm built up through the various new build energy generation projects we have advised on. The project will offer significant benefits to the local economy and Wales and the proposed site is well placed, particularly for the necessary grid connection and the delivery of large shipments of fuel through Newport’s South Dock".

Paul Millar can be contacted by telephone on 029 2038 5484 or by email