Partner Article

Plant powers new jobs on Tyneside

A new biomass power plant to be built on the north bank of the Tyne could bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

The plant would be built as part of the Tyne Renewable Energy Plan (Tyne REP), and would use land owned by the Port of Tyne in North Shields.

North Tyneside Mayor, Linda Arkley, said: “Tyne REP would bring substantial benefits to the borough and the wider region, representing an investment of over £400 million, the creation of hundreds of construction jobs, future permanent on-site jobs, 300–400 indirect jobs and an annual spend of £30 million in the local economy.

“We are committed to the regeneration of the North Bank of the Tyne and bringing jobs to the area. I welcome the fact that MGT Power Ltd have chosen North Tyneside as their preferred location and look forward to supporting them for the benefit of our residents.”

The MGT scheme could generate carbon neutral electricity for around 600,000 homes in the North East.

Chris Moore, Director of MGT Power, said: “We see the Tyne project as not only a major green power project for the UK, but one that will contribute positively to the local area and the North East economy, primarily in terms of local investment and employment.

“Just as we did with our Tees Renewable Energy scheme, we are consulting widely from the start, both with key organisations and local people. We intend to hold a public exhibition of our plans in September.”

Andrew Sugden, director of membership and policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is fantastic news and adds to the North East’s growing reputation as an international centre for renewable energy. MGT’s plans for a facility at Teesport are already well advanced and a similar plant at the Port of Tyne is a significant investment that will be of great benefit to the regional economy.”

Planning approval for the scheme will be subject to government consultation.

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