Apr 26 2014
Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office, today broke ground at Air Products’ second advanced gasification Renewable Energy Facility on Teesside. The ceremony, which was hosted by David Taylor, Vice President of Air Products’ Energy Business, marked the start of construction of the facility that will create 750 new jobs over the next 2-3 years and 50 permanent jobs when the plant enters commercial operation.
The Minister visited the construction site for “Tees Valley 2” (TV2) in Stockton on Tees near Billingham, following the Cabinet Office’s decision last year to purchase the plant’s power output for a 20 year period. The Cabinet Office’s energy contract with Air Products is part of the Government’s “Energy for Growth” program and meets 2% of the Government's overall energy consumption.
During his visit to the Air Products’ TV2 site, the Minister took the opportunity to tour Air Products’ first renewable energy facility, Tees Valley 1 (TV1). TV1 is planned to be in start-up phase later this year and will be in commercial operation in 2015. Once completed, it will be the largest advanced gasification renewable energy facility in the world. The two renewable energy facilities will contribute to revitalisation of the local economy and help to foster a green skills base in advanced clean technology in the North East of England.
The TV2 facility is expected to come onstream in 2016 and will use the same advanced gasification technology as TV1 to convert pre-processed municipal, commercial and industrial waste - otherwise destined for landfill - into reliable, renewable power equivalent to the needs of 50,000 homes in the North East. Every year, up to 350,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste will be diverted from landfill for energy generation use at TV2.
David Taylor, Vice President Energy Business, Air Products said: “Our agreement with the Cabinet Office serves as a strong endorsement to our state-of-the-art renewable energy projects and to the Teesside area as a leading renewable energy technology centre. Air Products is at the forefront of technological innovation, investing in green jobs and skills in the North East of England. Once TV2 enters commercial operation, the projects will have created over 1500 jobs in the region and Air Products will have invested significant resources into the local economy.”
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude said: “We are reforming Whitehall to get the best possible value for hardworking taxpayers, saving £10bn in 2012-3 alone. Before the last general election, government failed to leverage its huge buying potential to negotiate a good price and support the UK energy industry. "Energy for Growth" ensures the security of our energy infrastructure - it's good for the industry, good for taxpayers, and supports this Government's long-term plan for a stronger economy.”
“This new facility is a flagship for our “Energy for Growth” programme, supporting jobs for the North East. These projects demonstrate that the UK is an excellent market for investing in innovative new technology such as renewable energy. More importantly, the Air Products project provides a solution to the UK’s waste management challenge whilst strengthening the country’s energy security.”