http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5324/?cid=3

Air Products has started work on the world's largest energy-from-waste gasification plant in Tees Valley in the UK.

The 50 MW plant near Billingham, Teesside will divert up to 350,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste from landfill a year to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 50,000 homes.

With environmental and planning consent granted, preparation work has begun on the site and full-scale construction will start shortly.

The Tees Valley Renewable Energy facility, which will be operational in 2014, uses a Westinghouse gasifier supplied by AlterNRG that produces 42% less CO₂ emissions per MWh than incineration.

"Our investment in advanced gasification EfW technology is a natural extension of our onsite business model," says chair, president and CEO of Air Products, John McGlade. "It allows us to further extend our leading position in the global energy market and continue to deliver on Air Products' commitment to sustainability."

The gasification technology can produce hydrogen, chemical, fuels and heat, as well as energy, for commercial use in various sectors including transport.

The plans have been welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg as key to developing renewable energy in the UK.

"Air Products' announcement reflects the UK's commitment and support for clean energy, combined with our stable and transparent environment for investors," he said. "We are working hard through the British Business Embassy programme to help UK and international companies to capitalize on new trade and investment opportunities to deliver safe, secure, sustainable and smarter energy 'ecosystems', from extraction through to the end user."