New energy plant plan could bring more than 1000 jobs to Tyneside

New plans to build a renewable energy plant could bring more than 1000 jobs to Tyneside.

The Port of Tyne is seeking planning permission to develop a renewable energy plant in Howdon, North Tyneside.

Consultations are underway on the application to build the 25 megawatt power plant on the site of the former Howdon Yard.

The Port says the plans have the potential to regenerate a site that has not had a permanent use for decades, and is limited for other types of development because its so close to the Tyne Tunnel under the surface.

They say the project would create 470 jobs in construction, 50 new permanent jobs once in operation and 732 jobs in the regional supply chain.

Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne Chief Executive Officer, said:

The development would produce enough electricity to power 50,000 households using state-of-the- art technology to convert household waste to energy.

The proposed power plant uses gasification processes which turn waste into gas without actually burning it. This leads to the production of steam from which electricity is generated. If plans are approved, the facility could be under construction by autumn 2017.

The Port of Tyne will have the plans on display and the project team on hand to answer questions at East Howdon Community Centre on 5 Wednesday October between 2.30 pm and 7 pm.