Air Products has announced that it will build and operate the world’s largest renewable energy plant in Teesside.

The Tees Valley plant will be located at the New Energy and Technology Business Park near Billingham and will be the first of its kind in the UK, and the largest of its kind anywhere in the world with an approximate capacity of 50MW.

Using advanced gasification energy-from-waste (EfW) technology, the facility will create up to 700 jobs during the construction process with a further 50 once operational. Diverting up to 350,000 tonnes of waste from landfill per year, the plant is expected to produce enough predictable, controllable, clean electricity to power 50,000 homes.

The Air Products facility will be one of the first advanced gasification plants of this size in the UK, using technology already proven as an efficient and environmentally friendly way of producing energy from waste.

Speaking at EENE 2012, the recent EEIF conference, Lisa Jordan, Air Products’ Business Manager, said the decision to locate the plant in Teesside was based upon the phenomenal welcome and support the company had received from North East businesses and stakeholders. The location also has good access and connectivity to the local and national electrical distribution infrastructure and is in close proximity to landfill disposal facilities.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:. “Advanced gasification has a key role to play in delivering renewable energy and I warmly welcome the decision by Air Products to proceed with its Tees Valley Renewable Energy Facility.

“Air Products’ announcement reflects the UK’s commitment and support for clean energy, combined with our stable and transparent environment for investors.”

The plant is expected to be operational by mid-2014.