Government Clears Plans for Enhanced Power Output at Incinerator

The government has approved plans to enhance the power generation capacity of a new incinerator. Construction of the facility by waste management firm Indaver commenced in July 2021 at a former airbase located in Rivenhall, close to Witham, Essex. Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, granted consent for the facility to produce up to 65MW of power. James Abbott, a Green councillor representing the local area, stated that residents continue to be “deeply concerned” regarding the incinerator’s implications. The Planning Inspectorate issued a statement indicating that “full consideration to all local views” was provided throughout a consultation period. Indaver anticipates that, starting next year, the facility will process 595,000 tonnes of unrecyclable waste each year. The process involves burning the waste to generate electricity. Councillor Abbott, who represents Silver End and Cressing on Braintree District Council, affirmed that campaigners would persist in their opposition. He informed the BBC, “This is a plant in open countryside, it’s not near a major town.” He added, “Those who live in the area around it can see the chimney and the huge cranes. It’s coming and it’s a worry.” Abbott also stated, “If you live in the local villages, you will be breathing in the emissions depending on the wind direction.” Essex County Council has declared its objective to cease sending waste to landfill sites by 1 October 2025. In August, the local authority granted Indaver a seven-year contract, with an option for an additional seven years, an arrangement valued at £1bn across 14 years. The council had previously indicated that the incinerator must be fully operational by the close of 2026.