Air Products has announced plans to build and operate the world’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) plant, in Billingham, Teesside, expecting it to be commercially operational by 2014.

The Tees Valley plant will be the first of its kind in the UK and will use gasification technology to generate 50 megawatt hours of electricity – enough to power 50,000 homes. According to Air Products, the new gasification technology, provided by AlterNRG, will offer a more efficient, cleaner conversion of waste to power than traditional technologies and will produce a greater range of useful products, including heat, chemicals, fuels, and hydrogen.

The plant will be built in the New Energy and Technology Business Park, and with good connectivity to local and national electrical distribution infrastructure and nearby landfill disposal facilities, the company claims it will divert up to 350,000 metric tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill per year.

"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”, said John McGlade, Chairman, President and CEO of Air Products.

“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."

The company expects the Tees Valley plant to create up to 700 construction jobs and more than 50 permanent jobs.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg welcomed Air Products and the Tees Valley plant as furthering the UK’s sustainability goals.

"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”, Clegg said.

Work to prepare the Tees Valley site has already begun, and full construction will begin in the coming weeks.

For further information, visit the Air Products website.