Energy recovery plant set to deliver £250m in savings to Staffordshire
A PIONEERING energy recovery facility in Staffordshire is set to save county taxpayers £250m during its lifecycle, the county council has said.
The construction of the new facility at Four Ashes in South Staffordshire is being developed by Veolia Environmental Services in partnership with CNIM Clugston Staffordshire. It is on target for completion in December 2013 and should help the local authority in its aim of achieving a zero waste to landfill strategy
The 25-year PFI contract is the biggest in Staffordshire County Council’s history and the authority has said it will deliver tax savings to residents of more than £250m over its operational life.
When complete, the brand new facility will generate enough power for 32,000 homes and create 40 new jobs.
County council leader Philip Atkins, who visited the site for a progress report, said: “I am delighted with the progress so far and we are well on track to realising our £250m savings through the new facility.
“The development of the new plant is all part of our ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ strategy, which is tackling head on the growing problem of domestic waste.
“The project is also central to our drive to protect tax payers and residents from the rising environmental and financial costs of landfill. The financial and environmental costs of landfill are rising fast and we have taken firm action to put this county in the best position for the future.”
Donald Macphail, Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services in Staffordshire, said: “New infrastructure is vital if the UK is to meet landfill diversion targets and reduce carbon emissions. It can also bring significant economic benefits and by working closely with Staffordshire County Council and our construction partners we are helping stimulate economic growth and improve environmental performance”
Pictured from left are: Chris Swanick – Project Manager Veolia Environmental Services, David Cowan – Design Engineering and Construction Director, Cllr John Whelan – Lambeth Council, Donald Macphail – Managing Director, Veolia Environmental Services, Cllr Philip Atkins – leader, Staffordshire County Council.
