First store to be powered by biomass

The new Waitrose food store at East Cowes, Isle of Wight, could be powered by biomass.

The retailer has submitted a planning application to the Isle of Wight Council to turn an electricity sub-station into a biomass plant to provide all the electricity, heating and cooling needs for the 18,000 sq ft store now being built.

It will be the retailer’s first store to be fully powered by wood chips, sourced from managed woodlands on the Island.

A company spokesman said: "This will be a trial for Waitrose. The eco vision is for a Waitrose store that requires no electricity or gas from the grid, powered by wood chips from managed sources, which provides income and employment for local producers."

The biomass scheme will also have capacity to provide heating for some of the surrounding development, such as the new medical centre, due to be built near the store. The store is set to open in October.