World’s largest energy-from-waste plant gets go ahead

Global supplier of environmental and energy systems Air Products is to build and operate what it is calling ‘the world’s largest renewable energy plant ‘.

The Tees Valley plant, to be located at the New Energy and Technology Business Park, UK will use advanced gasification energy-from-waste technology and have a capacity of 50MW.

Air Products expects the plant to produce enough renewable electricity to power up to 50,000 homes. The chosen site location offers access and connectivity to both local and national electrical distribution infrastructures. It is also in close proximity to landfill disposal facilities where it will also hope to divert 350,000 tons of non-recyclable waste from landfill per year.

‘Our investment in this advanced gasification technology is a natural extension of our onsite business model,’ says Air president John McGlade. ‘It allows us to further extend our position in the global energy market and continue to deliver on our commitment to sustainability.  

‘The UK is committed to diversifying its sources of energy, strengthening its energy security and reducing carbon emissions. This clean energy technology model is well-suited to these requirements, offering a sustainable solution to the UK’s waste management strategy.'

AP has secured the necessary environmental and planning approvals and the renewable energy facility is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2014, with the site already being prepared.

The facility will also create 50 permanent skilled jobs in the area and around 150 during construction.