Energy for Exeter – the new waste facility is opened (EMBARGOED until 0900 hrs 16 October 2014)

Press Release

EMBARGOED until 0900 hrs 16 October 2014

Energy for Exeter – the new waste facility is opened

The Chairman of Devon County Council, George Gribble, officially opens Exeter’s new energy recovery facility today, Thursday 16 October.

Delegates from Devon County Council, the county’s waste contractor Viridor and construction and initial operating company TIRU will assemble with local community representatives at an official opening event on site.

The audience will hear from Deputy Leader, Councillor John Clatworthy, about the plant, which will deal with waste from Exeter, and the surrounding area.

He said: “For years, landfill has been the cheaper option, but it’s not a good environmental solution. Reducing, reusing and recycling waste is our priority and will remain so, but the remainder needs to be dealt with and we felt that energy from waste was the best technology.

“So with our new facility here in Exeter, we can recover energy from our waste, turn it into electricity, and export it back to the national grid. That reduces the running costs of the plant, as well as creating a useful form of renewable energy. In time, we hope to use the steam too as part of a district heating network, making it a truly efficient process.”

Ian McAulay, Chief Executive of Viridor said: “ We want people to see waste differently and as a resource, not just the spoils of every day life waiting for disposal.

“Each year, Viridor recycles over 2 million tonnes of materials and transforms more into 820 gigawatt hours of renewable energy. Our partnership here with Devon County Council and TIRU will contribute to that achievement for years to come.”

Marie Mugler, Chief Executive of TIRU said: “This plant will produce significant amounts of renewable energy from Exeter’s waste, which will go back into the grid. Now, with Exeter open, TIRU will produce over 1300 MW of renewable energy from 3.3million tonnes of waste. A very effective and environmental way to stop wasting waste!”

Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Baroness Verma will also visit the plant for a tour of the facility and to open the education and visitor area. This has been set up to enable schools to view the process and understand more about waste recycling and management.

She said: “Devon County Council has a good record of recycling waste.  It has long been one of the top five authorities in the country for recycling and the opening of the EfW plant at Marsh Barton will help the council continue its important work in this area”

“Energy is a vital resource and as we look to cut down on our use of fossil fuels, conserving and using waste as one alternative source is a sensible and clean option.  I was also pleased to hear about how the energy will be exported.”

"It is also good to spend time in the Education Centre at the plant so I could see how Devon County Council is working to inform the next generations on the importance of recycling and the need to promote EfW as a key source of our future energy needs” 

Ends

Notes for Editors

The plant will process 60,000 tonnes of household waste each year from the local catchment of Exeter, Mid and East Devon and Teignbridge. It will export energy equivalent to heating 5000 homes in the form of electricity, although the feasibility of using the steam for a district heating network is also being explored.

MEDIA FACILITY:

Members of the media are invited to two facilities

Morning: with the guests at the inauguration of the plant. Interviews will be available with Cllrs John Clatworthy and Roger Croad, with Ian McAulay during the morning.

Baroness Verma will be available for interview from 1630 to 1650.

Programme as below: representatives are requested to indicate their attendance in advance to one or both, to either liz@coastmarcoms.co.uk 07966 388921 / becky@coastmarcoms.co.uk / 01579 352 605

1030    Arrive / networking

1100    Welcome by Heather Barnes (Strategic Director of Place, DCC)

1105    Introduction by Cllr. John Clatworthy (Deputy Leader, DCC)

1115    Response by Ian McAulay, (Cex, Viridor)

1125    Response by Marie Mugler (Cex, TIRU)

1135    Unveiling of plaque by Councillor George C Gribble, Chair of DCC

1135    Assemble for photographs (official) (Coast Comms)

1145    Media photos and interviews (Coast Comms)

1215    Tours commence – groups of 8 as per badging

1630    Baroness Verma available for interview and photo opportunity

1650    Baroness Verma party tour of plant

1715    Baroness Verma party depart.

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