Hundreds of jobs on the way at fuel plant
£150M LOW-CARBON FACILITY WINS PLANNING APPROVAL
PLANNING permission has been secured for a “cutting edge” fuelfrom-waste facility at Teesworks.
Circular Fuels Ltd is set to create a low-carbon plant on land at Dorman Point, which will be able to produce 50,000 tonnes of fuel per year from 220,000 tonnes of nonrecyclable household and industry waste.
The £150m plant will convert the waste into a “safe, cost-effective, and clean burning fuel”.
The plant, which will sit on a 14-acre site, will bring 250 construction jobs and more than 50 skilled roles, as well as indirect jobs via the feedstock supply and fuels offtake supply chain.
It will create a renewable fuel called carbon dimethyl ether (DME), which can be stored and cylinders and tanks similar to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This means it can serve properties not connected to the national gas grid, which are often some of the hardest to decarbonise.
When established, the plant will also be carbon capture ready, with the potential to link into bp’s Net Zero Teesside and the wider CCUS infrastructure.
This latest update on the project comes at a time when Teesworks remains the centre of national controversy, following allegations of “corruption” and “dodgy deals.”
Last week, it was confirmed that the government would be launching an “independent” investigation into the project, with the National Audit Office opting to “make alternate arrangements.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed the review, saying it will show there is “no corruption, wrongdoing, or illegality” in the Teesworks project.
However, Labour Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald argued that the investigation could “never be viewed as independent.”
Earlier this week, Mr Houchen challenged Mr McDonald to repeat his “corruption” claims outside of Parliament in an interview on Radio 4, branding him a “liar and a coward.” Mr McDonald snapped back saying the Mayor’s outburst was “bizarre” – alleging that he was “determined to deflect attention by his outlandish comments.”
Chris Musgrave, chairman of Teesworks, said: “This is another clean and green investment secured on the Teesworks site which will bring hundreds of good jobs to Dorman Point. Circular Fuels are a great example of the sort of project we want to bring to the site in the industries of the future.
“We have an unparalleled knowledge base when it comes to the chemical industry in our region, and the granting of these plans means work can get under way on getting this plant up and running.
“We’re working hard readying the land at Dorman Point and this marks yet another milestone in our journey to bring thousands of good paid, local jobs to the Teesworks site.”
Mr Houchen said: “Thousands of good-quality, well-paid green jobs are coming and the Circular Fuels project is one of a raft of examples which underline how Teesside is the green engine room of the nation. Our Joint Venture partners have put in the work and are footing the bill on readying the land for this vital investment. This permission means more work can now get going on the ground.
“Our vision to make Teesside a leader in industries of the future is well and truly becoming a reality – Teesworks will be a trailblazer in creating homegrown energy and well-paid jobs for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
Circular Fuels Ltd is backed and majority owned by Dimeta, a jointventure between SHV Energy and UGI International – two of the world’s biggest liquified petroleum gas (LPG) companies – and sustainable energy solutions firm KEW Technology, which is providing the high efficiency and pressurised Advanced Conversion Technology used within the plant’s process.
The planning permission was granted on Wednesday, and the plant is set to be operational in 2025.