Renewable energy plans unveiled

The Lockerbie plant will increase demand for wood supplies

Environment Minister Mike Russell has announced plans to boost wood supplies for renewable energy production at a plant in Lockerbie.

He unveiled proposals to set up an industry-wide task force to tackle the issue when he visited the biomass station at Steven's Croft.

The project is the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom.

The £90m E.ON facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.

Task force

It will be capable for generating enough electricity to power 70,000 homes while contributing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The biomass plant is one of a number of green power projects across Scotland which are fuelled by wood.

The increasing demand for timber supplies has prompted Mr Russell to examine how to meet the future needs of the sector.

He announced plans for the Forestry Commission to lead an industry task force to work to balance supply and demand in the long term.