Nov 26, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. A GBP 200 million ($313.7 million) state-of-the-art biomass plant is on its way to being realised after RWE npower renewables officially took over the site of the new power station at Tullis Russell in Markinch, Scotland. Construction is expected to last two years and the plant is scheduled for operation in late 2012, Tullis Russell Papermakers said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Construction is now underway for the combined heat and power (CHP) plant, which will be owned and operated by RWE npower renewables and provides 40 permanent jobs in the operation of the plant and fuel-processing facility. It will provide Tullis Russell with steam, which it needs for paper drying, as well as electricity and helps to safeguard the 540 jobs at Markinch while reducing the papermill’s fossil fuel CO2 emissions by around 250,000 tonnes each year. The biomass plant will not only provide a major boost for the Fife-based paper manufacturer by securing a competitive and secure power supply at a time of escalating energy prices, it will also be good news locally through reducing noise pollution from the plant. As well as safeguarding the future of an important local employer it will create a further 400 temporary positions during the construction phase. RWE npower renewables is also planning to source the biomass materials, which will be made up largely of reclaimed wood normally destined for landfill, from the area surrounding Fife and elsewhere in the UK. Chris Parr, CEO of Tullis Russell said: “This is an extremely positive development for Tullis Russell and helps to ensure a sustainable future for our business by enabling us to compete more effectively in what is a highly competitive market. It will also significantly reduce Tullis Russell’s carbon footprint, making us a genuine low carbon paper producer in the markets we serve”.