Energy firm Energos will now construct the £40million development in Knowsley, Merseyside.

It will take two years to build and construction is expected to start in 2010 with the firm hoping to recruit skilled local staff.

Energos hope to create up to 65 local construction jobs and 18 skilled ‘green collar’ jobs and aims to set up a technician training programme with local colleges.

The facility will convert leftover, non-recyclable waste into electricity for up to 10,000 homes, as well as creating heat for local industry – leading to lower energy bills and carbon emissions for business and increasing job security.

It will create a similar renewable power output to 15 large wind turbines.

The firm also hope the development will be a UK and international training centre and an environmental technology showcase for the UK company’s advanced gasification process – attracting visitors from all over the world.

Nick Dawber, managing director of Energos, said: “This is a community sized solution for local waste that would otherwise fill up landfill sites and emit damaging greenhouse gases.

“We offer a proven and world class gasification technology with a 12 year track record of safe operation in Norway.

“Over the last three years, five planning applications, based on the Energos technology, have been submitted and all five have received consent within 12 months of the application date.

“In Knowsley we have organised open days and set up a community liaison group to allay concerns and involve residents in our plans and we are totally committed to working openly with the community to bring new jobs, new skills and valuable investment to the area.”

Luke Walsh

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