Plans revealed for £64 million energy facility

An industrial energy project could bring new jobs and waste treatment capacity to Teesside under plans for a multi-million-pound facility in Hartlepool.

Qualitech Environmental Ltd has launched a public consultation on proposals for a £64 million waste treatment and energy recovery facility on land at Tofts Road West.

The proposed Tofts Road Energy Recovery Facility would treat hazardous waste generated by sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering and industrial cleaning.

The UK currently has limited domestic capacity for hazardous waste treatment, with only two ageing specialist facilities currently operating nationwide.

If approved, bosses say the development would create around 40 permanent skilled jobs and support a further 45 construction roles during a three-year build programme, alongside apprenticeship opportunities.

They add the project would help reduce the amount of hazardous waste currently exported overseas for treatment while strengthening domestic energy generation.

The facility would also generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 2000 homes annually, while heat and steam produced on site could be supplied to nearby businesses.

Plans have been designed with future carbon capture technology in mind, with the facility potentially capable of connecting to the proposed Net Zero Teesside carbon capture and storage network.

Danny Casey, managing director at Qualitech Environmental Ltd, said: “This facility would be one of the UK's first hazardous waste treatment plants to recover energy from the process; with enough electricity generated to power the equivalent of 2000 homes every year and the potential for heat and steam to be supplied to local businesses. 

“Treating this waste domestically would save thousands of tonnes of CO2 every year while helping build British energy security.

“Our plans represents a £65 million investment in Hartlepool with 45 construction jobs over the three-year build and 40 permanent jobs once operational. 

“We’re committed to community engagement and maximising the opportunity for people to have their say on the proposals. 

“With that in mind, we’ve decided to postpone the consultation event whilst we finalise a venue closer to Seaton Carew.”

The consultation period will be extended and details of the venue and time for the consultation events will be provided shortly. 

In the meantime, locals can find out more and provide feedback via the project website here.

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