Member Article

New green energy plant for Billingham

Planning permission has been granted for a new renewable energy facility in Billingham, which could create renewable power for up to 50,000 homes.

Air Products will now convert pre-processed household waste which is currently going to landfill at the New Energy and Technology Business Park near Billingham, and will be one of the largest advanced gasification projects planned for the UK.

The company also hopes to create between 500 and 700 jobs during the projects construction phase, and 50 permanent jobs when the facility begins operating.

Ian Williamson, European Hydrogen and Bioenergy Director at Air Products said: “Our facility will be using the latest and most advanced gasification technology to generate renewable power and at the same time, contribute towards Stockton Council’s environment, energy and economic investment objectives.”

“The UK is seeking more sustainable ways to manage and dispose of its waste, and is looking to diversify its sources of electricity generation: our technology is able to deliver on both counts”

Subject to financing of the project and securing environmental consent from the Environment Agency, work is hoped to begin on the site next year, with commercial operations beginning in 2014.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “Energy from waste leads to considerable reductions in waste going into landfill, and makes an important contribution to the UK’s low-carbon energy supply.

`’This new technology will be an exciting addition to the energy from waste sector and I look forward to seeing the announcement of more of these projects.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .