Alternative energy jobs in east of England bolstered by plant

People looking for alternative energy jobs in the east of England have received a lift thanks to the news that the government has given the all-clear for a new plant in Peterborough which will convert waste glass, plastic and metal into clean energy.

Energy and climate change minister David Kidney gave the green light to Peterborough Renewable Energy to build the waste and biomass-fuelled power station at Storey's Bar Gate.

"The UK needs to generate 15 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and energy from biomass could contribute as much as a third of that," he said.

Mr Kidney added that the plant will supply low-carbon fuel for years to come and more plants like it need to be constructed in the UK.

The plant could also help the region to get more than half way towards its carbon reduction target of a 17 per cent drop by 2020 as it will deliver a ten per cent reduction by itself.

Another eco-friendly energy plant, which is based on Tyneside, could create a further 1,000 engineering jobs if it is approved, according to MGT Power, the company behind the proposed development.