Steven's Croft in Lockerbie could more than doubles Scotland's biomass electricity
The UK鈥檚 largest wood-fired biomass power station has opened near Lockerbie in Scotland.
First minister Alex Salmond has officially opened the 拢90m Steven's Croft site which is owned and operated by E.ON.
The plant converts waste from the wood industry into energy.
Salmond said the power station would have a major impact nationwide and help put the region on 鈥淪cotland's renewable energy map鈥�.
He said: 鈥淎t a stroke, Steven's Croft more than doubles Scotland's biomass electricity generating capacity from 39 to 83 megawatts.
"It is proof that not only can we generate power from materials previously seen as waste, we can create good quality jobs and improve the sustainable management of our forests.
"The power plant will produce enough green energy, from the surrounding forests, to supply up to 70,000 homes - more than 17 times the population of Lockerbie."
Frank Mastiaux, E.ON climate and renewables chief executive, said: "We need a mix of energy sources such as biomass if we're going to succeed in ensuring a secure supply of electricity to keep the lights on while reducing carbon emissions."
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