The proposed project will create 50 permanent jobs during the power station’s operation, along with 50 supply chain positions. The project will sustain around 400 more jobs during construction if plans for the wood-fired plant on Able UK-owned land at the site of a former power station at the Billingham Reach Industrial Estate are approved.
The plant will save around 436,000 tonnes per year of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide compared to a similar size coal-fired power station.
Michael Fox, Gaia Power founder and chairman, said: “It is a very exciting development and one which will help to cement the Tees Valley’s growing reputation for green energy development.”
Fox was the founder and former deputy chairman of Ensus, which is currently investing GBP245 million in building the largest bio ethanol plant in the EU at Wilton. It is due to start operations in 2009.
The wood for the Gaia plant would be collected, sorted and shredded off site by a specialist renewable wood recycler under a long-term agreement.
Delivered by road in chipped form, it would include construction and demolition waste, furniture off-cuts, used pallets and other sources. It would exclude treated woods such that as used for railway sleepers and creosote fence panels.
Gaia Power is also finding the feasibility of the plant supplying low grade heating to nearby industrial units. An environmental impact assessment will form part of the planning application.
Richard Poundford, Stockton’s head of regeneration, said: “Stockton Council would welcome employment and renewable energy opportunities, subject to planning, that a scheme of this nature could offer.”
Neil Kenley, strategic investment and marketing director for Tees Valley Regeneration, said: “We along with Stockton Council have been working with Gaia Power for some time now and are delighted they have decided to bring the green energy plant and the massive investment and vital jobs that go with it to the Tees Valley.”
