Work on a sustainable aviation fuel plant at Teesworks is to move forward after plans for the groundbreaking project were approved.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has cleared the way for progress on the multi-million pound development after granting planning approval.

Global aviation services group Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) and subsidiary Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited announced plans for the plant at Dorman Point in July 2023.

The plant will produce 20 million litres of SAF a year, which has the potential to cut CO2 emissions by up to 85% when compare with traditional petrol-based aviation fuel.

It is intended for locally produced SAF to supply airlines at Teesside International Airport, supporting its drive towards Net Zero.

The Power-to Liquid refinery will convert feedstocks derived from waste CO2 and green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity into aircraft fuel.

The process will deliver substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry.

Teesworks Chairman Chris Musgrave OBE said: “It is great news that work on this plant can now move forward and we have worked hard to ensure the site is cleared and ready so there are no delays once planning approval is granted.

“Teesworks is proud to be bringing the sustainable industries of the future to our area which are delivering vital jobs and investment for local people and we look forward to working with WLFC in supporting construction of this plant.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is further proof of the fantastic progress we are making in delivering high quality, well-paid jobs by attracting leading global investors to Teesworks.

“We are now moving forward quickly to deliver world-beating clean energy projects and this shows we are ahead of the game in securing planning approvals and getting on with turning our area into an industrial powerhouse.”

WLFC also expects to have an option to lease additional land in Tees Valley for a potential second and larger refinery in the future.

The project aligns with the Tees Valley Net Zero strategy and the UK government’s Ten Point Plan, Build Back Greener, and Jet Zero strategies. It also combines with the development of a National Hydrogen Hub in Tees Valley.

The announcement comes as significant progress is made on other key Teesworks developments.

Work is continuing on the £650milllion SeAH Wind facility, which will be the world’s largest monopile manufacturing factory upon completion, while construction on the nearby South Bank Quay and mile-long link road at South Bank is now complete.

Planning permission was granted last year for Circular Fuels’ £150million low carbon fuel-from-waste plant, which will be located next to the WLFC plant at Dorman Point.

Preparation of the former Redcar Blast Furnace site for Net Zero Teesside Power is also continuing while the project received full Government planning approval in February.

Work is also ongoing on the preparation for a park and ride facility.