Up to 40 jobs will be created at a wood-fuelled biomass plant to power an Aberdeen paper mill.
Estover Energy has been granted permission to build a combined heat and power generator at the Arjowiggins Stoneywood site.
The firm said that when the development was complete it would employ 20 people, with a further 20 in the local forestry and transport sectors.
It added that about 100 people would be involved in building the plant, which will reduce carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tonnes a year by providing 90% of the mill’s heating requirements, while excess electricity will go to the national grid.
Estover said it was also looking into supplying heating from the generator to nearby businesses and homes in the future.
Stoneywood general manager Angus MacSween said the biomass plant would reduce energy costs and secure jobs at the paper mill, where Arjowiggins employs more than 400 people.
Andrew Troup, of Estover, said: “We know how important this is for Arjowiggins and its plans for the future and we’re excited for the forestry sector in the area.”