At least four people were injured on September 23 when two different explosions occurred in a biomass power plant in Borssele, Zeeland, the regional safety office reported. The office said all four were hospitalised, however broadcaster Omroep Zeeland said two people received serious injuries and were rushed to hospital and the others were treated at the scene.
The cause of the explosions is still being investigated, but it is thought to have been started by dust igniting in a biomass storage facility which was being dismantled ahead of the station’s closure.
The extent of the damage is sill being monitored with fire fighters remaining on the scene using thermal imaging cameras to check if it could restart.
An EPZ spokesman confirmed the explosions had occurred and that workers were injured, but was unable to give further details.
The coal power plant was put into operation in 1987 and currently has a capacity of 406MW. Since 2000 it has co-fired with 20% biomass, producing more than 350,000MWh of electricity.
A plan to fully convert the facility to biomass use proved unviable and it is due to be fully decommissioned by 31 December.
Source: http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/article/105595/Netherlands-biomass-plant-explosion-injures-four.aspx