Lagan Construction Group have started construction of a £160 million biomass plant at Port Clarence in Teesside.

The development at Port Clarence will create about 30 direct jobs and support a further 300 jobs at the peak of the build.

The Port Clarence Renewable Energy Plant will have capacity to treat an estimated 325,000 tonnes of waste wood per year.

Danish energy-from-waste specialist Babcock and Wilcox Vølund will operate the plant, with building work being carried out by Lagan Construction Group in partnership with Eco2.

The development was ceremonially started by Councillor Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Borough Council, who broke first ground on the site. Councillor Bob Cook, welcomed the investment in the region.

He said: “Glennmont’s investment in our borough is certainly welcomed as through the introduction of technologies such as biomass they can help grow our economy and create jobs for local people.

“I am delighted to see the Port Clarence Energy project begin to come to fruition and I’m looking forward to residents and businesses benefitting from the energy it will produce.”