Ghent Biomass Plant in Belgium reaches financial close

Gentse Warmte Centrale, a 19.9MW biomass combined heat and power plant in Ghent, Belgium, has successfully reached financial close. Mott MacDonald is the lender’s technical advisor to NatWest Bank on behalf of sponsors, Belgium Eco Energy and Equitix.

The plant will process around 150,000tpa of demolition waste wood to supply renewable heat to a neighbouring industrial facility as well as renewable electricity to the grid.

Mott MacDonald delivered a technical and commercial review of the plant design, project agreements and compliance with the Equator Principles. The consultancy will have an ongoing role overseeing plant construction and operations.

James Dodds, project manager for Mott MacDonald said: “We’re proud to have supported this project in achieving financing and in promoting the use of low carbon energy from a renewable source. This most recent success highlights our specialist experience in bioenergy and waste.”

Commercial operation of the plant is expected in the first half of 2022.