Selby food waste plant approved

The plant is expected to be operational by 2010

A £20m plant which uses food waste to produce power has been given planning approval in Selby, North Yorkshire.

The complex, which developers say is the largest of its kind in the UK, will be able to treat 165,000 tonnes of food waste every year.

It will generate enough electricity to power 10,800 homes and create 120 jobs for the town.

It is to be built by Selby Renewable Energy Park on the site of the former Tate and Lyle factory.

Construction will begin in September.

The plant, which was approved by North Yorkshire County Council, will be able to process packaged food waste, including that from supermarkets, food processing firm, local authorities and caterers.

It will work using anaerobic digestion, a natural process which enables organic matter to be broken down by bacteria in the absence of air.

Methane gas produced during the treatment will be used to power a combined heat and power plant.

This will produce electricity which will be sent to the National Grid.

The plant is expected to be operational in 2010.