An innovative recycling plant launched in the North East by a former Sunderland University student has secured the backing of a global energy giant 鈥 more than two years ahead of its proposed opening date.
Former Sunderland University student Christian A. Hvamstad is driving forward plans for his firm Wastefront to set up its first 海角视频 plant at Port of Sunderland.
The company, which he co-founded last year in Oslo, Norway, converts disused tyres into useful commodities such as liquid hydrocarbons and carbon black, which can then be reused by manufacturers. Once operational, the plant is expected to be the 海角视频鈥檚 greenest waste tyre plant.
The Wastefront plant, which is set to create 100 jobs when it opens on Wearside, has now secured a lucrative 10-year deal to supply energy giant Vitol.
The plant will have a capacity to process 60,000 tonnes of waste tyres a year, which would produce about 30,000 tonnes of liquid fuel to be bought by Vitol each year.
Mr Hvamstad, Wastefront鈥檚 director, said: 鈥淥ur ambition is to create a new circular economy for dealing with waste issues, and partnering with Vitol in this offtake agreement is a key step in our journey.
鈥淭ogether, we can contribute to a cleaner future by dealing with a specific waste problem, where end-of-life tyres no longer end up in landfill, but instead are converted into viable commodities that can be used again.
鈥淏oth the Vitol and Wastefront teams have been cooperating closely in the development and configuration of the first plant in Sunderland to ensure it adheres to the current market climate and environmental standards, as well as position the plant to comply with foreseeable changes in regulation and to ensure that the plant will have the flexibility to adapt to future shifts in the commodities market.鈥
Wastefront announced that it will be opening its facility at Port of Sunderland in August of this year.
The construction of the plant 鈥 subject to planning - is expected to begin in 2021 and will generate around 100 jobs in the region. Once fully up and running, in 2023, the company will employ as many as 30 full-time members of staff.
Chris Bake, head of origination at Vitol, added: 鈥淲astefront鈥檚 business model sits at the intersection of waste reduction and decarbonisation, both key to addressing current environmental challenges. With the appropriate expertise, we believe these new fuels can be successfully integrated into the energy system.
鈥淲e are pleased to be partnering with Wastefront as they implement their proprietary technology to produce sustainable energy products, with a reduced environmental impact.鈥
Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to see Wastefront already sealing deals that will ensure its Sunderland facility is a huge success. We very much look forward to welcoming the company to the city 鈥 it鈥檚 a great addition to our business community as we drive Sunderland towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
鈥淪underland is targeting businesses in the new green economy, as we look to become an ever-more sustainable city, so this is welcome news that will secure and underpin the new jobs Wastefront is bringing to Port of Sunderland.鈥
