By Hayley Robinson

Plans have been unveiled for a renewable energy power plant in Sittingbourne.

Evonik New Energies UK and renewable energy developer Biomass Fuels are expected to put plans forward by the end of the year for a heat and power plant on industrial land at Ridham Dock in Iwade.

It would convert up to 150,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste wood into heat and electricity.

If approved, the plant would create 30 permanent jobs at the site itself, as well as further temporary jobs during the construction process and long-term contract work with local companies for services and materials.

Potential "heat partnerships" with local businesses would also contribute to long-term economic development and stability in the area.

St Regis Paper Company, the owner of Kemsley Mill, is also looking at the possibility of building a new sustainable energy plant, fuelled by pre-treated waste, to supply energy to the existing paper mill and to increase the amount of sustainable energy being produced on site.

Guido Droste, managing director of Evonik New Energies UK, said: "By using regionally sourced, non-recyclable waste wood and Evonik’s combined heat and power technology, this facility would provide a sustainable solution for managing waste wood in the region and go some way to helping the UK meet its renewable energy targets."

The company is set to embark on a consultation process to ensure that local businesses, residents and groups are informed and engaged in the planning process and their views are taken into account prior to the submission of a planning application.

The consultation will consist of a public exhibition, newsletters and presentations.

The first public exhibition will be held at Kemsley Village Hall, The Square, Ridham Avenue, from 11am to 6pm on Friday, December 4, and in the function room at The Kemsley Arms pub, also in Ridham Avenue, from 9.30am to 1pm on Saturday, December 5.

For more information about the proposal, call Evonik New Energies UK on 020 8334 7256, email info-new-energies@evonik.com or visit www.evonik.com/Ridham-Dock