Viridor has announced its intention to proceed with the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Avonmouth, on the outskirts of Bristol (UK).

The Avonmouth ERF uses pyrolysis and gasification equipment supplied by NEAT Technology Group Ltd (NTGL) to process up to 120,000 tonnes per year of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from New Earth's adjacent Mechanical and Biological Treatment (MBT) facility.

A new stage of the project will increase the generation up to 33 MW of energy, supplying the National Grid with enough electricity to power over 30,000 homes.

The energy facility will boost the recovery options available to local authorities and business by transforming 320,000 tonnes of non-recyclable residual waste annually into renewable energy.

With procurement of engineering, design and construction partners in advanced stages, construction is due to commence in early 2017. It is expected to be operational in 2020.

Phil Piddington, Managing Director of Viridor said:

“The investment of £252 million (US$321 million) in a new energy from waste plant is great news for the UK waste sector and for energy resilience.  It is an integral part of our £1.5 billion (US$1.91 billion) UK investment programme which adds to the c. 1.5% contribution energy from waste makes to UK power generation.

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.”