American industrial gases company Air Products has announced that it will build and operate the world’s largest advanced gasification energy from waste facility.
It will be located at the New Energy and Technology Business Park, near Billingham, Teeside and will have a capacity of 50MW.
The plant will divert 350,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill each year.
It will use Westinghouse advanced gasification technology provided by AlterNRG, which it says is leading the next generation of EfW technologies.
This is because it offers a more efficient, cleaner conversion of waste to power than traditional EfW technologies.
Air Products hope that in the long-term, the facility will generate renewable hydrogen for commercial use such as fuelling public transport.
Air Products chairman, president and chief executive John McGlade said: “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.”
