Our proposed Sustainable Energy Plant (SEP) represents an investment of £300m into the future of Tata Chemicals Europe.

To remain competitive and protect the future of our business, we need to reduce our energy costs. Increasing energy costs were a major factor in the decision to close production facilities in the Netherlands last year, which resulted in a loss of 120 jobs.

Locally, we provide direct employment for 500 people and approximately 4,000 others in related support industries. We also provide pensions to approximately 800 people, many of whom live locally.

The SEP will generate about 50 new jobs in the plant itself, alongside 350 jobs in supporting services. This will have a beneficial economic impact on Northwich and the surrounding areas.

In addition, the SEP would:

• help maintain Tata Chemicals Europe's long-term efficiency and competitiveness
• reduce Tata Chemicals Europe's reliance on climate-damaging fossil fuels
• help reduce Tata Chemicals Europe's carbon footprint
• help meet our energy needs by using materials that might otherwise go to landfill
• meet UK government and European best practice to recover energy from non-recyclable material for use in heat and power schemes