New energy from waste plant marks major milestone

Today (14 July) marks the final completion of construction of Buckinghamshire County Council’s new energy from waste (EfW) power station at Greatmoor, near Calvert, in northern Bucks. The facility, which generates electricity from waste that cannot be recycled, is the single biggest investment ever made by the County Council, and stands to save the county’s taxpayers £150 million over 30 years through avoiding landfill charges, as well as earning an income from the power generated.

The plant will be run on behalf of the Council by FCC Environment, one of the UK’s leading waste and resource management companies, in a 30-year partnership.

Buckinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment Warren Whyte said: “I’m delighted to be able to formally accept completion of the Greatmoor Energy from Waste Plant – a major milestone which marks the culmination of over ten years’ planning and development. This major investment by the County Council will save taxpayers £150 million over thirty years and provide a valuable economic contribution to this part of Buckinghamshire.”

Paul Taylor, FCC Environment Chief Executive, said: “Greatmoor EfW will convert Buckinghamshire’s household and business residual waste, the material that cannot otherwise be recycled, into renewable energy. This will reduce the county’s dependence on landfill disposal. The contract will run for 30 years, bringing significant sustainability and economic benefits to Buckinghamshire.

“The new facility will treat up to 300,000 tonnes of residual waste each year and will generate 22 Megawatts of electricity – this is equivalent to the energy required to power up to 36,000 homes.”