Runcorn EfW Phase 1 Commissioned

Runcorn Energy-from-Waste Facility Phase 1 commences commercial operations. As one of the largest waste and renewable energy projects in Europe, this first phase of the facility will divert up to 425,000 tonnes of refuse-derived fuel from landfills annually.

The Runcorn Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facility's first phase, built by Keppel Seghers Belgium N.V. and Keppel Seghers UK Limited (collectively, Keppel Seghers), in the UK, has begun commercial operations.

The Runcorn EfW facility comprises two phases of equal capacity. Phase 1 is owned by INEOS Runcorn (TPS) Limited (TPSCo). TPSCo is a joint venture between INEOS, Viridor and John Laing. Phase 2 is owned by Viridor EfW (Runcorn) Limited, a special purpose vehicle owned by Viridor Waste Management Limited.

Keppel Seghers completed the Phase 1 of the facility on 18 January 2015 after successfully completing a 30-day reliability test and handed the facility to the client. Phase 1 is now being operated by Viridor on behalf of TPSCo.

Phase 1 of the Runcorn EfW plant is able to process up to 425,000 tonnes of refuse derived fuel (RDF) per annum, converting it into renewable energy comprising approximately 35 MW of electricity and 51 MW of thermal energy in the form of steam. Together, it is supplying the neighbouring INEOS chemicals manufacturing facility with up to 20% of its total energy needs, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

Servicing the Greater Manchester region, the plant is also expected to help divert more than 75% of Greater Manchester's waste from landfill.

Mr Tan Boon Leng, Executive Director (Waste-to-Energy) of Keppel Infrastructure, the parent company of Keppel Seghers, said, "We were able to have a good reliability run as we had been constructing the facility to the exacting quality and standards expected of us, and we are pleased to see our efforts contribute to serving the waste management needs of Greater Manchester in a sustainable manner."

The TPSCo board added, "This phase of the facility entering commercial operation marks another step towards a more resource-efficient future, generating essential energy instead of adding to an unsustainable landfill."

The Runcorn EfW facility features Keppel Seghers' proprietary technologies, including water-cooled multi-stage grates, boiler, and double dry flue gas treatment system that treats emissions to the highest standards, ensuring full compliance with EU and local air quality requirements.

Keppel Seghers is similarly executing the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract for Phase 2 of the Runcorn EfW facility. When fully operational, the combined plant will be able to process up to 850,000 tons of RDF per year, making it one of the largest and most efficient CHP facilities in the world. Phase 2 of Runcorn EfW is currently undergoing testing and commissioning and is expected to be handed over to its client in 1H 2015.