PLANS have been submitted to construct and operate a new power station in Carlisle which would create energy from recycled materials.

If given the green light, the 'embedded waste fuel gasification and combined heat and power (CHP) generation facility' proposed by North West Regeneration Ltd will make use of solid recovered fuels (SRF), produced on-site by North West Recycling Ltd at units on Kingmoor Park Rockcliffe Estate.

This process is said to decrease the amount of waste transferred off-site.

North West Recycling said: "The proposed development will be a small-scale, highly-specialist, high-quality, and sustainable CHP facility for the thermal treatment of waste sourced fuels.

"The facility is appropriately located and will allow for the wider site to remove its reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonise its wider waste production activities." 

The facility would offset around 1.5 million litres of diesel annually used by the site, which would reduce the site's direct carbon output by 4,050 tonnes and produce 2.5mWh of electricity and 4mWh of thermal heat, NWR said. 

Adding the gasification facility contributes to the 'strategic objectives' of both Cumberland County Council and NWR Ltd, reducing emissions from waste recycling and constantly increasing recycling rates. 

The site currently lies on an undeveloped plot that has previously been associated with RAF Carlisle and used as an airfield and aircraft maintenance.

Six full-time employees are proposed within the plans. 

Managing director Rick Allan said: "Together we are constantly looking to improve performance and make a positive impact in the community. 

"Cumbria is an incredible county in which I had the privilege to grow up. 

"I believe after many years of research and development, we now have a unique solution to deal with Cumbria's waste," he said.