A MULTI-million pound green energy centre capable of powering 15,000 homes could be built in Hampshire.

Up to 34 full-time jobs and 150 temporary construction jobs could be created if a proposed Eastleigh Energy Recovery Centre is given the go ahead.

The £40m facility would use the advanced technologies of pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion to break down waste materials and convert it into electricity and heat – and include a solar farm.

15,000 homes The plant planned for unused land at Chickenhall Lane would produce enough renewable energy to power 15,000 homes recovering 195,000 tonnes of waste which would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill, according to the energy firm behind the scheme – Clean Power.

It would also provide a cheap, renewable source of heat that could be connected to the surrounding commercial and industrial buildings.

If planning is given the green light, building work could begin as early as next year with the first lorry loads of waste arriving in early 2016.

Plans for the centre include a 400ft long and 120ft wide warehouse building, two towering 75ft stacks to release odourless water vapour and a small amount of carbon dioxide and four tanks for storage and anaerobic digestion around 30ft high.

The facility, earmarked for agricultural land near the Deacon Trading Estate, would also include a learning and education facility for local schools and residents to learn about the hi-tech processes involved.

All waste would be unloaded and processed inside the building as soon as it arrives with the building sealed and operated under negative pressure to avoid odours.

Around ten lorries an hour would be needed to deliver the necessary amount of waste for conversion and bosses say there would be no storage of waste on site.

Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton said: “Anything that promotes energy efficiency and recycling is to be encouraged, but when the borough and county councils consider this application, it must be balanced with the impact the centre will have on the local community.

“I’m sure both councils will be looking at issues like traffic, the number of HGVs, and air quality when giving their verdict on this application.”

A planning application has been submitted to Hampshire County Council which will ultimately decide on the matter.

A spokesman for Clean Power said: “Clean Power has been delighted with the response to our proposals so far.

“The scheme is an excellent way to prevent locally produced waste from going to landfill or incinerators. The centre would maximise recycling rates and produce renewable energy and heat.”