The firm is expected to start on site in the next few weeks following client E.ON’s decision to press ahead with construction at Blackburn Meadows last week.

The renewable energy plant will be built near the site of the old Tinsley cooling towers, adjacent to Meadowhall, and when operational will generate up to 30MW, enough to power 40,000 homes, by converting recycled waste wood into electricity.

Dave Rogers, regional director for Renewables at E.ON, said: “The plans we’ve announced not only set out the final design of the power station but also confirm our intention to begin construction.

“As our commitment to Sheffield demonstrates, we’re leading the development of renewable energy in the UK and biomass power stations, such as Blackburn Meadows, form an important part of that low carbon solution.”

E.ON will use UK sourced recycled waste wood to power the plant and, as far as is possible, will use local companies throughout the construction of the energy plant.

It is expected that the site will create around 30 full-time jobs within the local area once operational in mid 2014.