Graduate prospects at £120m plant - graduate jobs

Graduate opportunities in the renewable energy sector will be boosted over the next few years after E.ON announced plans for a new biomass-fired plant.

Building of the £120 million renewable power station, in Blackburn Meadows, near Sheffield, will start at the end of this month.

The plant will create enough electricity, through the conversion of recycled waste wood, to power 40,000 homes and generate up to 30MW.

Dave Rogers, regional director for renewables at E.ON, said: "The plans we've announced not only set out the final design of the power station but also confirm our intention to begin construction later this month.

"As our commitment to Sheffield demonstrates, we're leading the development of renewable energy in the UK - and biomass power stations such as Blackburn Meadows form an important part of that low-carbon solution."

E.ON will take advantage of local resources at the new plant by using UK-sourced wood to power it and companies from the area to build the facility.

The site, which is due to be opened by mid-2014, is expected to create around 30 full-time roles.

And the company said that between 2011 and 2013 it aims to invest around £2.6 billion (three billion euros) on renewable generation and climate protection schemes.

Copyright Press Association 2011