Teesside Waste-to-Energy Plant Granted Environmental Permit by UK Agency

The Environment Agency (EA) has granted an environmental permit to Viridor Tees Valley Ltd for the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF) built at Teesworks in Grangetown, Redcar, UK.

The decision follows a second public consultation in May 2025, where the Agency confirmed it found no legal or technical reason to refuse the application, pending compliance with strict operational and emissions conditions. Supporters argue the facility will reduce landfill reliance and contribute roughly 29 MW of power, sufficient for around 60,000 homes. However, critics highlight concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and potential harm to recycling efforts, raising broader questions about the appropriate role of incineration in UK waste management.

Seven local councils in north-east England plan to use the facility to convert up to 450,000 tonnes of waste annually into energy. Although the incinerator has secured planning approval, construction has not yet begun, with operations expected to start by late 2029. The plant will handle household waste from Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton, and Redcar and Cleveland.