Rodenhuize (Ghent) was originally built as a coal-fired power station, but a number of modifications were made to one of the units in 2005 and 2008 to permit the production of electricity based on coal and biomass.
The conversion involves an investment of EUR125m and would produce power to supply 320,000 households.
For the project, Electrabel and Ackermans & van Haaren have set up a joint venture under the name of Max Green NV, in which Electrabel and Ackermans & van Haaren control 73% and 27% respectively.
The Max Green project, due to start in 2010, represents the last step in conversion of the unit, with coal being replaced by biomass, wood pellets originating from producers who apply sustainable forestry.
To reach the objectives set by the EU in its climate plan, Belgium will have to mobilise all renewable sources, and in particular biomass.
