Abengoa to build biomass plant in Belgium

In Ghent, Belgium, Abengoa has announced it will build the largest commercial-scale biomass-fired power plant in the world.

The company was chosen by electricity and gas company Belgian Eco Energy (Bee). The plant, expected to cost in excess of €315 million, will utilise woodchips and agro-residues to generate 215MW of renewable power.

Abengoa will be responsible for the engineering, design and construction of the plant. Using circulated fluidised bed technology, the biomass will be converted into high pressure steam, which subsequently passes through a steam turbine to produce electricity.

In addition to the 215 MW of clean energy, the plant will also produce approximately 100MW of thermal energy that will be distributed to supply heating to industries and households in the city of Ghent.

Abengoa already operates biomass plants in Europe, Latin America and the US.