Plans revealed for energy from waste plant expansion

Plans have been revealed to extend a job-creating energy from waste plant in Billingham which is currently under construction.The proposed development – known as Phase 2 – looks to “extend and enhance” Phase 1 of the scheme at New Road.Planning consent for Phase 1, by O2N Energy, was originally approved in September 2010 for a material recycling facility and energy from waste plant, including the erection of new buildings and access.Once operational, the plant is set to provide 31 permanent jobs, with about 50 to 60 people employed during the construction phase.The proposed expansion includes the construction and operation of a hydrogen production facility – done by electrolysis – with up to 25MG generation capacity, alongside battery storage, a hydrogen re-fuelling point and electric charging point.The implemented consent for the original development includes all land identified for the proposed Phase 2 expansion.The new proposals have now taken a step forward following the submission of a screening opinion request to Stockton Council.The objective of the request is to determine whether an environmental impact assessment is required as part of the planning application.A report alongside the request said that it has been concluded that “no significant effects” will arise as a result of the construction and operations of the proposed development.Therefore, it said the scheme is not considered to comprise EIA Development.