Shell will build 49 MW biomass plant in Japan

Plant to benefit from feed-in tariff scheme.

A new large-scale biomass-fired power plant will be built in Japan by energy company Showa Shell Sekiyu.

The 49 MW renewable power station will be built on the site of Showa's former Ohgimachi plant at the Keihin refinery complex. The project will fall under the Japanese government's renewable energy feed-in tariff scheme.

The new plant's coastal location means it will be strategically placed for ships to conveniently deliver the biomass, which will be made up of wood and palm kernel shells.

Showa recently received approval to expand its LNG-fired Ohgishima power plant and solar power plants. The company says it will continue to maximize the potential of oil, its core energy source, while developing new energy sources that answer the demands of society.

Ground is set to break on the plant in May 2014 with operations to begin at the end of 2015. Showa Shell operates three oil refineries in Japan.