WORK has started on the construction of a ?60.5 million plant at Rothes in Speyside that will use co-products of the Scotch Whisky distilling process to generate electricity and feed for animals.  a collaboration between a group of distillers, an energy firm and a Dutch bank, the development will include a biomass plant capable of generating enough power for 9000 homes.  The plant will use material such as the residue of grain husks, and most of the output will be supplied to the national grid.  It will also produce animal feed while reducing carbon emissions.  First announced in March 2008, the project will create 100 jobs during the construction phase.  The plant should be completed in 2013.  approximately 20 people will work full time at the plant when it is operational.  Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky association, said:  The innovative project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration between Scotch Whisky distillers.  It will be a welcome boost to the region in these challenging economic times.  The plant is being developed by Helius CoRDe   a consortium that includes seven whisky producers, Helius Energy and Rabo Project Equity.  The distillers involved are BenRiach, Chivas Brothers, Diageo, Edrington, Glen Grant, Inver House and John Dewar & Sons.