A £170m energy park in Ince has been named among the key projects of the so-called ‘Northern Powerhouse’.

The Government is pitching for billions of pounds of Chinese investment for 13 investments in the north of England.

Protos includes a controversial biomass plant and Energy from Waste (EfW) facility at Ince Marshes.

The former will use waste wood to power up to 40,000 homes and the latter converts rubbish into 35mW of sustainable energy.

Protos managing director Myles Kitcher said: “We’ve been an enthusiastic advocate for the Northern Powerhouse.

Ongoing construction of the Protos biomass plant at Ince

“It is our flagship energy destination in the North West for bringing industrial strategy to life.

“Protos has already progressed significantly, with new road infrastructure and energy facilities creating a destination for energy, industry and innovation.

“With the Government steadfast in its support for northern growth, Protos can play an important role in retaining skilled workers and powering the region.”

An artist's impression of the Protos development in Ince, formerly known as the Ince recovery park. Pic provided by Protos.

Construction at Protos is already under way.

Demonstrations took place at the 126-acre site earlier this year over fears cheap foreign workers would be brought in to do the job.

Formerly Ince Resource and Recovery Park, the plans include the biomass plant, EfW facility and large-scale housing.

It is estimated it will create 3,000 jobs and open up opportunities alongside the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park.

Frodsham Wind Farm, which aims to be running by the end of the year, is also part of the wider scheme for the area.

Combined with Alderley Park near Macclesfield and Birchwood in Warrington they will form the ‘Cheshire Science Corridor’.

Ongoing construction of the Protos biomass plant at Ince

Projects in Liverpool and Manchester are also included in the 13-strong portfolio for the Northern Powerhouse.

Government ministers met a senior Chinese delegation, including Vice Premier Ma Kai, to discuss potential investment on November 10.

It could see the Ince project share a part of a massive £5bn investment.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said: ”As we seek to take to take the golden era of UK China relations to the next step, we have a major opportunity to open up investment opportunities across the Northern Powerhouse

“This portfolio, opening up billions of pounds of investment ready projects to Chinese investors, will support our work to grow and create jobs across the north.

“It also underpins our ambitions to bring world class infrastructure to every corner of Britain.”

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