Planning permission granted for Energy from Waste hub

Scotland’s largest recycling, renewable energy and resource efficiency company today confirmed its intention to proceed with plans for a £200m energy from waste facility at Oxwellmains, East Lothian, following the grant of planning permission by Scottish Ministers.

The proposal, part of an anticipated £800m Scottish investment in ‘next generation’ recycling and waste infrastructure by the company, will create a 300,000 tonne resource efficiency hub diverting non-recyclable waste from landfill, generating 17mw of heat for local use and 23mw of electricity – enough to power 39,000 homes.

The application, originally lodged in May 2008, was refused by East Lothian Council in November 2009 despite officer recommendation for approval and SEPA confirming that the proposal was the “best practical environmental option for the waste stream.”

Commenting, Colin Paterson, Scottish Regional Director for Viridor, said:

“The approval of plans for Scotland’s most advanced energy from waste facility is good news for sustainability in Scotland and marks a key milestone on the road to delivering the Scottish Government’s zero waste strategy.

“Zero waste won’t happen without a network of new ‘next generation’ green infrastructure on the ground and in addition to investing in the latest advanced recycling technologies, Viridor is committed to supporting the public and private sectors meet ambitious targets and avoid costly landfill levies through recovering renewable energy from the waste we can’t recycle.

“We’re pleased the inquiry reporter recognised SEPA’s view that ‘a need case for a plant on this scale has been made’ and that ‘the proposal is the best practical environmental option for the waste stream’.  The economic case for the proposal was compelling and the community benefits significant.

“Located on long-established, rail linked waste management site, Viridor’s resource efficiency hub will work in tandem with enhanced recycling and make a significant contribution towards a smarter strategy for waste reduction, re-use, recycling and recovering energy from what remains.”

In relation to the development of the facility, Mr. Paterson added:

“Viridor is at the forefront of investment in Scottish zero waste infrastructure.  Our commitment to the development of Oxwellmains is absolute, with corporate funding for the project in place.  We look forward to beginning development of the hub and education facility in the New Year and to the injection our investment and employment will bring to the local area.”