Another delay to Isle of Wight energy plant

Another delay has hit the roll-out of full scale operations at the Island’s Energy from Waste Plant on Forest Road.

It is now expected to start more than two years later than first proposed.

Due to ‘unforeseen technical issues’, the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) will not start operating until January now.

The Isle of Wight Council said during tests in the commissioning process some systems in the plant require upgrading which has impacted the timescale.

The completion date of the ERF has continually been pushed back, with the original commencement date supposed to be in May 2019.

Work started on the plant, which will use non-recyclable rubbish to generate renewable electricity for up to 5,000 houses, in 2017 after planning permission was granted in 2016.

Construction was suspended on the plant in March last year due to Covid but Amey, the providers of the Island’s waste contract, engaged different sub-contractors to continue the work.

Following the delay, the Isle of Wight Council said the completion of the ERF was scheduled this year for April, then September and now into the new year.

The ERF has started to process waste though, and is currently undergoing hot commissioning, which tests all systems before it enters service.

A council spokesperson said Amey has been using contingency facilities when necessary during the construction period and performance levels continue to be above contractual targets for the amount of waste recycled and diverted from landfill.

They said the Island is still meeting its waste and recycling targets and remains in the top 15 per cent of authorities for the amount of household waste it recycles.

The construction risk sits with Amey and the delays to the plant have not be at the expense of the Isle of Wight Council.