Press release - 11 Jun 2009

New proposal for energy recovery centre at Severnside

Recycling and resource management company, SITA UK, is investigating the possibility of developing a new energy recovery centre, on a brownfield site at Severnside, South Gloucestershire.

The proposed facility would process up to 400,000 tonnes of non-recycled commercial and industrial waste per year; instead of being sent to landfill, this waste would be used to generate a reliable source of electricity.

Gareth Phillips, Planning and Property Manager at SITA UK, comments: "With landfill tax set to rise to £72 per tonne by 2013, local businesses are faced with increasing pressure to reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill. This development could significantly benefit businesses by providing an efficient alternative.

"The energy recovery centre could divert up to 400,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year, which would save £19.2 million in landfill tax (based on the projected 2010 rate of £48 per tonne). It could also generate enough electricity for approximately 50,000 homes, which is equivalent to half the households in South Gloucestershire.

"The forthcoming closure of a number of fossil fuel and nuclear power stations means the UK faces a major shortfall in energy generation. Waste is a potential resource for generating a secure and affordable source of power, which could help to fill that gap. In addition, energy recovery technology plays an important role in waste management, disposing of non-recycled material in a safe and clean way.

"We are currently at a very early stage in developing our proposals and expect to submit a final planning application in autumn 2009 at the earliest – following an extensive consultation programme with the local community."

The technology proposed for Severnside would burn waste in a controlled manner, producing steam which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity.

SITA UK’s application would see the redevelopment of an eight hectare brownfield site at Severnside, including improvements to the existing railway line which would enable the transportation of waste to and from the site by rail – reducing HGV movements.

It is currently anticipated that the proposed facility would only receive waste from businesses, rather than households. However, there may be capacity in the future to help manage domestic waste, if there is a requirement from local authorities.

As part of a commitment to engaging with the local community, a series of public events are being held which members of the public are invited to attend, so they can comment on the emerging proposals. These events will run from Tuesday 07 – Saturday 11 July 2009 at a number of venues in the Severnside area as follows:

Tuesday 7 July between 4.30 and 8.30pm

Easter Compton Hall, The Halls, Main Road, Easter Compton BS35 5SJ

Wednesday 8 July between 4.30 and 8.30pm

Trinity Hall (Pilning Church Hall), 3 Redwick Road, Pilning BS35 4LG

Thursday 9 July between 4.30 and 8.30pm

Avonmouth Community Centre, Avonmouth Road, Bristol BS11 9EN

Friday 10 July between 4.30 and 8.30pm

Severn Beach Village Hall, Ableton Lane, Severn Beach, South Gloucestershire BS35 4PP

Saturday 11 July between 10.30am and 2.00pm

St Mary’s Church Hall, 3 Sundays Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DS

For further information about SITA UK’s proposal please call the Severnside Hotline on 0845 543 2123 or email mailto:severnside-consultation@sita.co.uk