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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Georgia-based Southeast Renewable Energy says it will build a biomass energy plant in Kershaw County.

Local and state economic development officials said Thursday the 15-megawatt plant will be fueled with timber residue. The $50 million investment is expected to create 20 jobs over the next five years.

Officials say construction should start early next year and end in late 2012. Southeast Renewable has plans for similar plants in Dorchester and Allendale counties.

The company has signed an agreement with Santee-Cooper to sell "green power" to the state-owned utility for 30 years.

The company will start taking applications for the jobs in early 2012.

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