A major new power plant will be developed in Deeside without the need for public sector funding.

The Deeside Anaerobic Digestion Plant, which will generate green electricity and biogas from food waste, will be constructed without requiring the £6.4 million from the North Wales Growth Deal.

This is due to additional private sector investment secured through the Abrdn Sustainability Infrastructure Fund.

Ambition North Wales, responsible for delivering the North Wales Growth Deal, and The Circular Economy (TCE), its partner on the Deeside project, announced the development.

Their close collaboration attracted an investor to commit the remaining required funding.

The plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, serving as a low-carbon energy source for local industry, including the Toyota Manufacturing Facility, helping them meet their decarbonisation targets.

It will also produce fertiliser from processed digestate and capture carbon dioxide for industrial reuse, making the site carbon-negative.

Mac Andrade, chief executive officer of The Circular Economy Developments Ltd, said: "We are excited to solidify our commitment to Deeside as the location for TCE’s headquarters.

"This decision reinforces our dedication to supporting local growth, creating sustainable job opportunities, and contributing positively to the region’s economic landscape."

Alwen Williams, portfolio director of Ambition North Wales, said: "We have been working closely with TCE over the last year to progress plans for the delivery of the Deeside Anaerobic Digestion Plant.

"We are delighted that the success of this collaborative groundwork is now being reflected in securing this additional private sector funding.

"The fact that this means the project will no longer require our Growth Deal funding is positive news, as consequently we can now direct our investment elsewhere in the region to support economic development and growth."

She highlighted the importance of their partnership with TCE, demonstrating how public sector involvement can make projects more appealing to private investment by reducing risks.

Ms Williams hopes this serves as a model for future projects to achieve the best economic and social outcomes through similar collaboration.

Despite the project no longer being part of the Growth Deal, she assured continuous engagement and support for TCE when appropriate.

She said: "We look forward to seeing the project deliver for North Wales."

The North Wales Economic Ambition Board formally accepted the withdrawal of the project from the Growth Deal at their meeting on November 8.