News Article

UPM Tilhill is gearing up to fulfill a key role in the successful operation of one of the largest renewable energy projects in the UK - Teesside’s new wood-burning power station, Wilton 10

Named by SembCorp Utilities UK as sole supplier of roundwood from the region’s privately owned forests and woodlands, UPM Tilhill will source an annual 30,000 tonnes of bio-fuel from privately owned forests and woodlands across north Yorkshire and north-east England.

The company, which manages around 6,000 hectares of woodland on behalf of private clients across the region, is keen to bring on board other woodland owners, timber merchants and harvesting contractors who may be looking to profit from this emerging market

Wilton 10 is currently under construction at the Wilton International site on Teesside. It is due to start generating 30 MW of electricity – enough to power around 30,000 homes – by the middle of 2007. Around 300,000 tonnes of wood fuel will be required annually.  In addition to small roundwood, other sources include short rotation willow coppice, sawmill chips and recycled timber.

Wood will be stored on the site prior to being fed into the boiler in the most combustion efficient way. Full intake is not required before 2007, but some stock building will take place in 2006.  Woodland owners wishing to find out more should contact: Troels Carlsen, UPM Tilhill manager responsible for harvesting in the region - details below