Isle of Wight waste-to-energy plant begins testing

The facility aims to use non-recyclable rubbish to generate electricity

A new waste-to-energy plant on the Isle of Wight has begun test operations five years behind schedule.

The facility aims to use non-recyclable rubbish to generate electricity for up to 5,000 homes.

The plant, near Newport, was supposed to have become operational in 2019 but has been beset by delays and "unforeseen technical issues".

Isle of Wight Council confirmed it has been tested and run under working conditions.

During testing in January, the council said the plant exported enough energy - 386,663kWh - to power about 7,000 houses for a week, based on average energy consumption.

Waste contractor Ferrovial used the test to optimise the required temperatures and the processing of waste-derived fuels.

A council spokesperson said: "The council and an independent certifier are closely supervising the commissioning tests, to ensure the facility meets operational standards and provides the island with a long-term solution for non-recyclable waste disposal, generating electricity with the potential for heat recovery."

Work started to build the Energy From Waste plant in April 2017 and County Hall has confirmed it did not have to pay for the hold-ups.

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