Initially the project will create 400 jobs during the construction process, followed by 50 high-quality permanent jobs and 50 supply-chain positions.
Michael Fox, Gaia Power founder and chairman, said: “We have worked long and hard with the region’s stakeholders, local industry and residents to ensure that our project ticked all the right boxes and addressed any concerns raised. We are delighted to have received planning permission today.’’
“This type of power station is a key ingredient in helping the country achieve its carbon reduction targets – and we at Gaia Power are proud to be part of the green industrial regeneration happening within the region.”
“Aker Solutions, a global provider of engineering, technology and construction solutions, have been engaged to develop the 50 MWe biomass power station at Billingham Reach Industrial Estate,”
“Plannning Permission is clearly a very important step in the Project’s development; we will now focus on bringing together the financing package”
Richard Poundford, head of regeneration and economic development for Stockton Council, said: “This is really good news for the area. We have been working with Gaia Power as the firm developed the proposal and the hard work has paid off.
“It is particularly pleasing because it is proposed by local people, will create local jobs and using local businesses in the supply chain. It will also contribute to the changing face of the economy of the Tees Valley.”
Neil Kenley, strategic investment and marketing director for Tees Valley Regeneration, said: “This is fantastic news and shows that in the Tees Valley we have the ambition, skills and drive to lead the way in green energy generation.
“The business development team at Tees Valley Regeneration is delighted to have been part of the process that led to this successful outcome and looks forward to seeing the new plant come to fruition. We very much hope it leads to further investment and job creation.”
The plant is being developed at the Able UK site at Billingham Reach and Able UK Group Development Director, Neil Etherington, warmly welcomed news of the planning approval.
He explained “We have worked closely with Gaia Power throughout the development of the project and we are delighted to welcome the company to Billingham Reach. I think this is an excellent example of two locally-based, locally-owned and locally managed companies co-operating to put our area at the forefront of renewable energy technology.”
The power station will make a huge contribution to reducing the area’s carbon footprint as recycled wood is a carbon neutral, renewable fuel that would otherwise be dumped at landfill sites. This is a saving of around 430,000 tonnes per year of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide compared to a coal, oil or gas fired power station of a similar size.