UK Minister for Northern Powerhouse Andrew Percy has officially opened Peel Environmental’s £700m flagship energy destination, Protos.
The new energy hub is located on 134-acre site near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, north-west England.
As part of Phase One infrastructure, Protos is open for business with a 21.5MW biomass facility in construction; a 19-turbine windfarm in operation and plots ‘shovel-ready’ for development.
Protos scheme is part of Northern Powerhouse Investment Opportunities Portfolio, which is expected to nearly allocate £5bn across 13 projects.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Opportunities Portfolio was recently announced by the government that focuses on energy, industry and innovation.
Andrew Percy said: “The energy sector is pivotal to our industrial strategy, ensuring the country has the infrastructure it needs to support economic growth long into the future.
“So I’m delighted to launch the new Protos Energy Hub, right at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse, which will help create skilled jobs and attract significant investment for the region.”
Percy further explained that Protos site has already received £170m investment and a further £500m planned is set to commence later this year and will be delivered over the next three to four years.
Protos managing director Myles Kitcher said: “Protos is a game-changer for the region and we are proud to be at the heart of energising the north’s industrial strategy.
“The minister’s recognition of the substantial committed investment and our long-term ambition for the area is a real vote of confidence in our important role in delivering the Northern Powerhouse.
“It was a pleasure to declare Protos open for business alongside the Minister and our partners. As a hub for energy generators and industry, we’re already showing how Protos can be a regional and national centre of excellence that will drive growth and attract international investment.”
Protos also represents the government’s initiative to create a cohesive industrial strategy to develop futureproof industries and technologies to compete on a global scale.
Image: UK Minister for the Northern Powerhouse Andrew Percy cuts ribbon at the 134-acre strategic development site near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK. Photo: courtesy of The Peel Group.
