The £85m plant can process 120,000 tonnes of refuse derived fuel (RDF) comprising non recyclable fractions of commercial and industrial waste per annum to generate electricity and heat.
Located adjacent to the Bombardier wing facility within the Belfast Harbour Estate, the combined heat and power plant is expected to create around 130 construction jobs and around 20 operational jobs.
In the gasification process, waste will be heated to produce a synthetic gas fuel which in turn is used to produce steam, which then drives a turbine to create electricity.
Environment Minister Mark Durkan said, "The new plant will help Bombardier reduce electricity costs, maintain its competiveness within international markets and safeguard employment."
"While I am keen to increase the amount of waste which is recycled, there is still a need for facilities to deal with waste that is not recyclable," said Durkan.
"I recognise the need for Energy from Waste opportunities and of alternative, more environmentally sustainable energy plans. This facility will draw value from waste which cannot be recycled, preventing it going to landfill and instead will use it to generate energy.
"This proposal is a win for the environment and a win for the economy and achieves the right balance in planning terms."
