FAQ: Local Community

  • How will the facility benefit the local community?

    The Renewable Energy Centre represents an investment of £135 million into the local economy. 

    To operate successfully, the plant will require about 30-35 full time employees with a range of skills.  Where possible it would be the intention to recruit and train employees from the surrounding area where possible.

    The construction and maintenance of the plant will also create local jobs and supply chain opportunities for local businesses, in areas such as civil engineering, materials, maintenance, etc. 

    An education facility will be incorporated into the scheme, and will help visitors and students understand the value and importance of waste management and recycling.

  • What about construction phase employment opportunities?

    There will be some local jobs created during the construction of the plant, which will largely be for the foundations, structures and building works. The gasification and associated process equipment comes mostly from specialist suppliers, and is pre-fabricated or manufactured remotely. It is brought to site and assembled by specialist teams familiar with the equipment. There will also be local supply chain opportunities for many supporting trades and functions, such as catering, accommodation, transportation, plant and equipment hire, maintenance, small fabrication services and other essential site support functions such as security and safety staff and other consultants.

    A ‘meet the buyer’ event will be held by the selected construction company prior to site start, in order to maximise local employment and supply opportunities.

  • What jobs will be created - how will local people benefit?

    There will be employment opportunities for up to 30 - 35 people for the REC, which will need a range of skills and lead to potential apprenticeship opportunities. We will aim to recruit and train employees from the surrounding area where possible. There will also be indirect employment for local deliveries, maintenance and support.