New biomass plant to create jobs - graduate jobs

The construction of a biomass plant in Scotland will lead to the creation of a number of new jobs, including opportunities for graduates.

The project will create about 100 jobs and then 20 full-time posts when the plant becomes operational in 2013.

The biomass factory, valued at £60.5 million, will use whisky by-products to produce energy.

The combined heat and power plant in Rothes, Speyside is likely to generate enough electricity for 9,000 homes and produce animal feed.

It is also expected to help cut the country's carbon emissions, saving about 46,642 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Apart from producing 7.2 megawatts of electricity - mostly for export to the national grid - the plant will also create an animal feed in the form of pot syrup.

It will be carried out by Helius CoRDe Ltd - a joint venture between energy firm Helius Energy Plc, the Combination of Rothes Distillers, and project equity company Rabo Project Equity BV.

Copyright Press Association 2011