Biomass generation is just the same as generating electricity using coal or gas, albeit at a smaller scale and using a “sustainable” fuel source – in this instance woodchip. The woodchip will be burned to turn a steam turbine, with the power generated going into the local grid.

The woodchip will be imported by ship from sustainable and verifiable forestry sources primarily from Europe and America, and this stock will be continually replenished as it is used. The station will help to meet the UK’s renewable energy target of 20% by 2020, accounting for around 5.5% of the renewables target. It will save about 1.2million tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Because Tyne REP will work around the clock, every day of the year, it will be able to produce more clean electricity each year than a 1,000MW wind farm, such as the proposed London Array.

To produce 1000MW using wind would need around 300-400 wind turbines. That would take up around 5,000 hectares, compared to the 14 required for Tyne REP.

We will continue to add details to this page as the project progresses.