Planning consent has been granted for a £325 million renewable energy project in Fife that could bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

Scottish ministers have granted consent for a combined heat and power biomass plant for the Port of Rosyth.

Forth Energy say the £325 million investment will provide low-carbon energy to the local area, and the equivalent of over 40% of the Fife Council area’s electricity needs.

It’s been predicted it will bring up to 500 jobs to the area during construction, and 70 operational jobs based at the port.

Forth Energy estimates the project will deliver £26 million of annual economic benefit per year to the area.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “The combined heat and power plant at the Port of Rosyth will create hundreds of jobs during its construction, and while in operation will continue to support local employment while generating renewable power for local business and industry.

“In consenting this application I have put in place a series of conditions to protect local residents from inconvenience, and protect the environment and air quality. The conditions to the consent also ensure that the fuel used in the biomass is from sustainable and responsible sources.”

Ministers have also approved a 20-turbine wind farm at Moy, near Inverness, a £65 million investment by developer Eneco Wind UK Ltd.

It will have 20 turbines with a generating capacity of up to 66MW. It could power the equivalent of approximately 31,000 homes in the area.