Member Article

World’s largest renewables plant for Tees Valley

Air Products has chosen the North East to locate the world’s largest renewable energy plant, bringing hundreds of jobs with it.

The Tees Valley plant, located at the New Energy and Technology Business Park near Billingham, will be the largest in the world, and is expected to produce enough electricity to power up to 50,000 homes and create up to 700 construction jobs.

With good access and connectivity to local and national electrical distribution infrastructure, and close to landfill disposal facilities, the plant will divert up to 350,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste from landfill per year.

US-headquartered Air Products expect the plant to create 50 permanent jobs one operational, helping to bolster the local economy and grow a green skills base in advanced clean technology in the North East.

The plant will use Westinghouse advanced gasification technology provided by AlterNRG, is leading the next generation of ‘energy-from-waste’ (EfW) technologies.

It offers more efficient, cleaner conversion of waste-to-power than traditional EfW technologies and has the potential to generate a wider range of useful products, including heat, hydrogen, chemicals and fuels.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:. “Advanced gasification has a key role to play in delivering renewable energy and I warmly welcome the decision by Air Products to proceed with its Tees Valley Renewable Energy Facility.

“Air Products’ announcement reflects the UK’s commitment and support for clean energy, combined with our stable and transparent environment for investors.”

Stephen Catchpole, Managing Director of Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley said: “Today’s announcement confirms that we were right to propose our bold and ambitious Enterprise Zone - our confidence in the Tees Valley offer has resulted in a fantastic project for the area.

“The area is famous for delivering and supporting large scale projects and international firsts – it is our heritage and our backbone. Now further expansion into new technologies and renewable energy continues to make Tees Valley one of the prime centres for significant inward investment.

“Air Products came to us with bold plans and a pioneering vision of the future and we are delighted to help them make that a reality.”

Air Products has secured environmental planning approvals for the facility, which is intended to begin operation in 2014.

John McGlade, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Air Products, added:
“Our investment in advanced gasification EfW technology is a natural extension of our onsite business model. Offering an innovative growth opportunity, it allows us to further extend our leading position in the global energy market and continue to deliver on Air Products’ commitment to sustainability.

“The UK is committed to diversifying its sources of energy, strengthening its energy security and reducing carbon emissions. This pioneering clean energy technology model is well-suited to these requirements, offering a sustainable solution to the UK’s waste management strategy. The facility will also create skilled jobs in the area and we are hopeful it will provide an indirect boost to the local economy through the use of local service companies, hotels and other businesses.”

NECC Chief Executive James Ramsbotham said: “This is an enormous boost for the North East’s green energy credentials and further cements our reputation as a globally recognised hub for pioneering new and renewable energy development.

“The creation of 700 construction jobs and 50 permanent skilled roles at the plant is fantastic news for the Tees Valley, but equally important is the fact that this plant is expected to produce enough reliable, controllable, and renewable electricity to power up to 50,000 homes.

“I would like to congratulate Air Products for today’s announcement and recognising the North East’s ability to deliver such an exciting and ambitious project.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .