A major deal has been signed to build a state-of-the-art heat and power facility in the county.

It will replace an existing facility at Kemsley Paper Mill, near Sittingbourne.

It comes following a deal between DS Smith, a sustainable packaging business, and energy provider E.ON.

It will extend E.ON’s partnership at the site with DS Smith for the next 20 years.

The new plant will enable a carbon reduction of 36,000 tonnes per year - the equivalent of 30,000 medium-sized cars driving over 6,000 miles a year.

Once complete, it will generate steam and power for DS Smith’s production processes at its flagship site.

The energy company will finance, build and operate the combined heat and power plant. The two-year construction phase is due to start this year. The facility is planned for commission in 2021.

Colin McIntyre, CEO for DS Smith paper and recycling divisions, explained: “Embracing world-leading innovation to minimise our environmental impact is a key corporate goal for us. Partnering with E.ON to develop a state-of-the-art solution to meet our long-term energy requirements is a vital element to achieve this ambition."

Michael Lewis, E.ON UK CEO, added: “In upgrading and optimising energy operations on site we can ensure DS Smith has a reliable and efficient energy supply that allows the business to get on with what they do best – providing quality and more sustainable packaging for its customers and, ultimately, consumers all around the country.”