Controversial £2 Billion Waste-to-Energy Facility Moves Ahead in Northeast England

In November 2025, a controversial £2 billion waste-to-energy facility is poised to move forward in Northeast England, despite ongoing concerns from local communities. The Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF) is expected to receive financial approval in early 2026, paving the way for full construction to begin later that year.

The TVERF project would see the facility burn up to 450,000 tonnes of household waste annually from seven council areas, converting it into energy. However, the plan has faced criticism from residents and environmental groups, who worry about the potential release of pollutants and greenhouse gases in an already heavily polluted region. There are also concerns that the long-term contract with operator Viridor, which could last up to 40 years, could distract from efforts to increase recycling.

Despite these objections, the councils involved have largely committed to moving forward with the project, citing a lack of alternative waste disposal options and the prohibitive costs of withdrawing from the agreement. The facility has already obtained the necessary planning permissions and environmental permits to operate, and construction work on access points has already begun.

When completed in 2029, the TVERF is expected to create 50 permanent jobs, with up to 700 positions during the construction phase. However, the project's opponents argue that the long-term environmental and public health impacts outweigh the economic benefits.