wood chip biomass
sustainable energy solutions

On 20th May 2009, AHS lodged a planning application with Rother District Council for a 4.5MW Combined Heat and Power Plant, to be built on land owned by the company in Northiam, East Sussex.

AHS has spent a great deal of time working with the relevant authorities to create an exciting project that will be a standard-bearer for the South East.

The development is a response to government targets for a huge increase in the use of renewable energy and a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases. The proposed plant is expected to generate sustainable and renewable electricity for around 6,000 homes in the area. AHS estimate that, compared to power generated by traditional fossil fuels, there will be a nett 13,000 tonne carbon emissions reduction.

Managing Director of AHS, Nick Guest, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for AHS to be part of the drive for renewable energy. We understand that Northiam will become only the second village in the country to be using green energy from its own power plant. With woodchip fuel for the plant being sourced from across the South East, the site will provide a much-needed stimulus for the forestry industry in the region. This will be good news for biodiversity in our woodlands which will be a side-effect of the increased management that is bound to come. Five new jobs will be created at the plant itself.”

Taking regular advice from Rother District Council, and taking on board comments from local interested parties and other observers, Paul Davenport, AHS’s Commercial Director, has revised plans since May considerably, and these are detailed at Rother DC's website.

“We are very excited about the revisions we have made. We have taken into account the need for a building that is sympathetic to its environment, and at the same time we have tried to come up with a design that will be exciting and innovative. The inclusion of an Education Centre will, we hope, ensure that the plant becomes a focal point for young people wanting to learn more about the huge benefits of renewable energy.”