ABP WELCOMES TODAY'S ANNOUNCEMENT BY DONG ENERGY ABOUT
A BIOMASS POWER STATION DEVELOPMENT AT THE PORT OF HULL

18th February 2010

Associated British Ports (ABP) announced today that it has entered into an exclusivity agreement with DONG Energy for a site within ABP’s port estate for the development of a biomass power station of up to 300mw.

This follows DONG Energy’s announcement today that they are reviewing development options for a 300mw biomass power station at the Port of Hull having identified a site within ABP’s port estate. The power station will be a catalyst for the construction of a new deep-water berth that will be located adjacent to the proposed power station. The Hull Riverside Bulk Terminal (HRBT) will handle the imported biomass fuel for DONG Energy but will also have capacity for other dry bulk customers.

Having worked closely with DONG Energy for a number of months, ABP will shortly apply for permission to develop the berth, by submitting a Harbour Revision Order to the Department for Transport. The berth itself will be capable of handling ships up to 300m long and, at an indicative cost of £100 million to develop, represents one of the largest single investments ever undertaken by ABP. If the development plans are approved, a significant number of new jobs will be created during the construction phase and the operational life of the new berth.

Peter Jones, Chief Executive of ABP, said: “Being able to announce this step forward for the HRBT development associated with DONG Energy’s announcement gives a real boost for the Port of Hull and the wider region. These projects represent potential major investments in infrastructure at a time when they are most needed. Large biomass power stations reliant on imported fuels will need facilities such as HRBT.”

He added: “Working with a leading international company like DONG Energy, that has a track record for innovation and, importantly, a track record for establishing renewable projects in the UK, means that both companies can move forward and develop the considerable benefits that these investments will generate.”

Associated British Ports (ABP) Press Release