Port of Tyne invests in biomass

Port of Tyne has announced the start of construction works on new biomass handling facilities, reflecting the UK’s shift away from coal in its power mix.

The port has won the contract to handle, store and transport up to 1.8 million tpy of wood pellets for Lynemouth Power (LPL), which is currently converting its Northumberland power plant from coal to biomass.

Construction on the 75 000 t storage facility, three enclosed conveyors and transfer towers, three silos, a rail loading silo and other works has begun. Port of Tyne is investing £13 million in the project with the remaining investment being made by LPL.

“The fast approaching end of coal imports has been challenging for all UK ports that have been handling this cargo, but the strategy of diversification at the port ensures that we are not reliant on any one sector.” said Port of Tyne’s CEO, Andrew Moffat.

“We have been at the forefront of developing expertise and facilities to handle the renewable fuel, wood pellet, and I am delights that LPL have choosing the Port of Tyne as a key partner in this significant development.”

Port of Tyne reported turnover of £58.8 million in 2015, down 18% on 2014, mainly due to falling volumes of coal. Turnover from its conventional and bulk cargo business area fell by 35% from £38.4 million to £25.1 million.

Edited by Jonathan Rowland.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/handling/19052016/port-of-tyne-invests-in-biomass-2016-814/