Veolia Energy Services, the Irish subsidiary of France based Veolia Environnement, has won a contract worth €450m to operate a biomass power plant of Mayo Renewable Power in Killala, Co Mayo in Ireland.
Under the terms of the contract, Veolia will operate the facility for 15 years.
The wood-fuelled biomass power plant in the country’s west has the capacity to generate 42.5MW of renewable energy.
The facility is expected to be operational from mid-2017. It will be able to meet the power requirements of at least 68,000 homes in Ireland.
As well as being responsible for operation and maintenance of the power plant, Veolia will also look after the adjacent fuel processing plant. It will also supply the total biomass fuel requirement for the power producing facility.
Veolia UK and Ireland senior executive vice-president Estelle Brachlianoff said: "This project marks a significant step on Ireland’s path towards developing sustainable energy solutions.
"We are looking forward to collaborating with our project partners to deliver best in class energy management for the successful delivery of this milestone project."
Construction of the facility is expected to involve an investment of €180m, Mayo Renewable Power said.
The facility is in support of Ireland’s target to derive at least 40% of its power from renewable sources by 2020.
Image: Veolia will supply the total biomass fuel required by the power plant. Photo: courtesy of Veolia
