Energy from waste scheme blazes a trail

Proposed Northampton centre would use advanced gasification technology to generate round-the-clock power from non-recyclable waste

Northampton could be the first of a number of towns and cities in the UK to benefit from a refuse-derived fuel centre that will produce energy from non-recyclable waste for a community scheme.

The scheme was put forward by Rolton Kilbride, a collaboration between Rolton Group and Kilbride Infrastructure. Rolton Kilbride aims to build a further seven such centres around the UK, including at Castle Bromwich, in a bid to move to more reliable decentralised power generation, reduce the cost of electricity and compete with the Big Six energy suppliers. 

The proposed Northampton centre would use advanced gasification technology to generate round-the-clock power from non-recyclable waste baked at 850°C, resulting in “much cleaner power and heat,” with the potential to supply 40,000 homes. 

The energy would be offered at a reduced price and distributed directly to locations in the town through private wire or sleeving. It would reduce landfill tax and associated costs for local councils, which can amount to £120-£130 per tonne of waste.

Peter Rolton, chairman of Rolton Group, said: “We want to offer councils a cheaper way to dispose of their waste and give communities the option to get something back by forming community interest companies.” 

Former energy minister Greg Barker said he hopes the scheme will mean that the Big Six becomes the “Big 60,000”.