THE leader of an organisation representing mechanical engineers throughout the world has visited a £60m biomass power station on Teesside.

John Baxter, president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (ImechE), visited SembCorp's development at Wilton this week, and praised the work going on at the site.

The plant, which will generate the UK's first renewable energy from a 100 per cent wood source, is in the final stages of commissioning and is due to open in November.

Once operational, it will generate 30 MW of electricity - enough to power a small town - and save about 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year compared to a conventional power station.

Mr Baxter said: "SembCorp has developed a really fantastic plant, helping to address climate change issues, which has utilised the skills of top-class engineers in the design, construction and operational phases, and I would congratulate everyone involved in the project."

Phil Morland, SembCorp biomass power station senior project manager, said: "We were proud and honoured to host the visit of Mr Baxter and several of his colleagues.

"Quality engineering is at the heart of everything we do and the new power station is testament to the skills and talents of people in this area."