E.ON UK has submitted outline plans to build a £60m biomass power station in Sheffield, bringing new jobs and investment to the area. Rated at 25MW, the proposed plant would produce enough power for around 40,000 homes by burning a combination of recycled wood and specially grown crops such as willow and elephant grass.

The plant would also displace the emission of around 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year and is expected to create 20 full-time jobs.

E.ON UK Project Developer Dr Nilton Chan said: "We're looking to breathe life back into the redundant Blackburn Meadows site and believe that a biomass development is a great opportunity to make a contribution to the Yorkshire and Humber Region's target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2010.

"It's through projects like this that we can change the way that we produce energy in the UK, helping keep the lights on at the same time as reducing the impact we have on our environment.

"And it's not just the environment that will benefit - we're expecting there to be a number of benefits to the local community in terms of new jobs and investment in the area."

In addition to the displacement of carbon emissions, the company is investigating the potential for supplying heat to neighbouring commercial and industrial establishments, further boosting the project's green status and efficiency.

The plans have been submitted to statutory consultees, including Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and outlines the proposed project including the potential environmental impact of the new development.

It is hoped that a full planning application will be submitted to the council later this year, following the completion of initial design activities and environmental studies.

"It's still very early days but we're committed to working with the community and all our local stakeholders from the outset," said Nilton.

"We pride ourselves on being a good neighbour wherever we operate and are keen to hear the views of local councillors, stakeholders and the community as we go through the planning process."

If the project gets the green light, construction is expected to start early in 2009, with the first power being produced in 2011.