Gaia selects Tees Valley firm to build biomass plant
Gaia Power has appointed locally based Aker Solutions, a global provider of engineering, technology and construction solutions, as the organisation who will work with them to develop the proposed 50 MWe biomass power station at Billingham.
The announcement is a triple boost for the region and heralds another step towards Gaia Power realising its ambitious plans. Following project implementation construction jobs will go to local workers and the huge investment will stay in the area.
Yarm-based Gaia Power announced plans for the plant earlier this year. On completion the plant will bring 50 high quality permanent jobs, the opportunity for apprenticeships and work for local graduates, as well as 50 supply chain posts.
Neil Kenley, Strategic Investment and Marketing Director at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: "The announcement that Gaia Power has struck a deal with Aker Solutions is fantastic news and a great boost for the Tees Valley.
"Tees Valley Unlimited's business development team saw the huge potential of this ambitious project and played a vital role in securing the deal and the jobs that will come with it.
"It's a real vote of confidence for the Tees Valley's business and industry community and we hope its success will act as a catalyst for further investment and job creation."
The power station will burn recycled wood chippings to generate power and will be the first biomass plant in Stockton - making a huge contribution to reducing the area's carbon footprint.
To receive the press release in full, contact Leanne English, Marketing Manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, on 01642 632013 or email leanne.english@demo13.geonetsolutions.co.uk.