Teesside set for jobs boost as firms plot £250m waste-to-energy plant

Plans have been revealed for a multi-million pound waste-to-energy plant in Redcar that could create hundreds of employment opportunities.

Yorkshire waste management firm PMAC Energy secured 25 acres of land at Redcar Bulk Terminal (RBT) for the £250m scheme.

Subject to permitting and planning approvals, the facility could create 400 jobs at the heart of the South Tees Development Corporation site.

The plant could produce waste-derived fuels from 2021, generating enough electricity once operational to power 56,000 homes.

Garry O’Malley, general manager of RBT, said: “Today’s announcement is hugely significant, not only for our businesses but for the whole South Tees region.

“We’ve worked closely with PMAC Energy on this project for a number of years and it’s another reflection of the continued resurgence of Redcar Bulk Terminal and this site.”

He continued: “Like many others on Teesside, we were dealt a hammer blow when SSI closed – so much so you could say RBT’s mere survival is a success in itself.

“We’re grateful for the strong support we received during these difficult times, in particular from Greybull who provided us the capital and energy required to turn the corner. The fact we’re seeing significant growth, diversifying our business and attracting new companies to the Tees is an incredible achievement.”

Speaking further, Garry said that projects like the proposed PMAC Energy plant are “heralding the start of a new era for RBT and our employees”.

He added: “We’ve a healthy business pipeline and the continued investment in our operations from British Steel and Greybull means we can continue to grow with confidence and pace.”

The announcement follows the signing of an agreement between RBT and Sirius Minerals Plc that will see as much as 10 million tonnes of polyhalite – a type of multi-nutrient fertiliser – pass through the terminal annually.

PMAC Energy MD Rob Lewis commented: “This is an incredible opportunity to deliver a major economic boost to the South Tees area and capitalise on the great strengths and capabilities of Redcar Bulk Terminal.

“RBT’s superb port facilities and road and rail links make this the perfect location for this plant.”

The PMAC Energy facility would operate in partnership with RBT on a 25-year lease. It would ecover and treat both municipal and commercial waste to create fuel for the renewable energy sector in the UK and overseas.

Redcar MP Anna Turley said of the deal: “This is another big investment project in our area which builds on our existing strengths in energy generation and waste management, and crucially creates new skilled jobs for people in our area.

“I look forward to working with RBT and PMAC as this project develops, especially to ensure local people can benefit from as many of the new jobs as possible.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →