The plant, based on the site of a former coal mine in Fife, was originally proposed by Brockwell Energy. In September 2022 (see letsrecycle.com story), it was announced that Brockwell had sold its division developing the plant – Westfield Energy Recovery Limited (WERL) – to infrastructure developer Equitix.
Delivery
Now, Equitix is building on its relationship with Viridor through joining together to invest in and deliver the Westfield ERF. The facility, currently under construction, is expected to be fully operational by May 2025 and is being constructed by Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI). When operational, the site will treat 238,000 tonnes of waste a year, equivalent to the waste produced by around 437,000 Scottish households, said a statement from Viridor and Equitix.
The Westfield facility is located close to the Scottish carbon capture cluster, Viridor and Equitix explained, which means that it opens “the possibility for future carbon capture at the site, aligned with Viridor’s commitment to be net zero by 2040”.
Development of energy from waste infrastructure is seen within the waste management sector and beyond as crucial to achieving Scotland’s move away from landfill. Viridor and Equitix noted that Westfield will also recycle metals and nearly 50,000 tonnes of aggregates, replacing quarried materials.
Ambitions
The companies said: “It is integral to the Scottish Government’s ambitions to deliver a zero waste, circular economy which encourages waste reduction, boost recycling and recover valuable energy from what remains. Diverting waste from landfill avoids the production of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – and is key to helping reduce the climate impact of the waste produced in the Scottish economy.
At the start of the project when Brockwell Energy was the developer, it was confirmed that commercial waste management company Cireco will supply the waste to the facility. Cireco, previously named Resource Efficient Solutions, currently provides commercial waste services for Fife council, NHS Fife and The University of St Andrews and collects waste from a number of commercial clients across Scotland.
Milestone
Commenting today on Viridor’s involvement in the project, Viridor CEO Kevin Bradshaw commented: “This is a significant milestone in Viridor’s growth journey to continue diverting waste away from landfill. With Westfield’s strategic location, we have the exciting potential to further develop our carbon capture plans and our commitment to be net zero by 2040.”
We have the exciting potential to further develop our carbon capture plans
Viridor group business development director Richard Belfield commented: “This latest venture with Equitix builds on the already mature relationship and underlines Viridor’s commitment to support the end of landfill and waste exports in Scotland. This facility will further reduce carbon and environmental emissions whilst contributing to vital baseload power generation.”
Partnership
Equitix CEO, Hugh Crossley commented: “We are pleased to be further enhancing our partnership with Viridor and together, contributing to the delivery of a zero waste, circular economy within Scotland via the Westfield Energy Recovery Facility in Fife.”
Subscribe for free