New £200m biomass plant approved

Chipped wood from a specialist recycler would be used

Hundreds of jobs could be created on Teesside after plans for a new wood-fired biomass power station were given the go-ahead by council bosses.

Gaia Power plans to construct the £200m facility on the Billingham Reach Industrial Estate near Stockton.

It will be fuelled with recycled chipped wood and produce energy to supply 80,000 homes a year.

Gaia Power said the plant would create 50 permanent jobs, 50 supply chain positions, and 400 construction posts.

Stockton Borough Council's planning committee voted in favour of the plans.

It is hoped generation of electricity from the plant will start in 2012.

The wood, which is to be used to fuel the plant, will be recycled from construction and demolition waste, furniture off-cuts, cable drums and other sources.

Michael Fox, Gaia Power founder and chairman, said: "This type of power station is a key ingredient in helping the country achieve its carbon reduction targets."

Richard Poundford, head of regeneration and economic development for Stockton Council, said: "It is particularly pleasing because it is proposed by local people, will create local jobs and using local businesses in the supply chain.

"It will also contribute to the changing face of the economy of the Tees Valley."