Viridor pushes ahead with energy-from-waste plant in Avonmouth

UK waste and recycling firm, Viridor has confirmed its intention to proceed with a £252 million (€296m) energy-from-waste (EfW) plant in Avonmouth, on the outskirts of Bristol. 

 The announcement was contained in half year results released by parent company, Pennon on 25 November, 2016.

Once operational the plant is expected to process around 320,000 tonnes of residual waste per year from local authorities and businesses.

With procurement of engineering, design and construction partners in advanced stages, Viridor said that construction is due to commence in early 2017. 

Once the waste to energy plant enters service in 2020 it is expected to generate 33MW of electricity and supply the National Grid with enough electricity to power over 30,000 homes.

In addition to construction jobs and sub-contractor opportunities, around 45 permanent roles will be created by the development.

UK power generation

“It is an integral part of our £1.5 billion UK investment programme which adds to the c. 1.5% contribution energy from waste makes to UK power generation,” said Phil Piddington, Viridor’s managing director.

“Not only will the development boost the sustainability of waste management across Bristol and the West of England, but it is another significant infrastructure investment in the region.

“We look forward to announcing our supply chain partners in the coming months and to working with all our other stakeholders to deliver a world class project.”