Viridor enters into agreement to purchase rights to develop and construct new EfW from ESB

Viridor has announced today, that they have entered into an agreement for the purchase of Thameside Energy Recovery Facility Ltd. which owns the rights to develop, construct and operate a new Energy from Waste (EfW) facility at Tilbury Docks, in east London, from Irish utility ESB.

When constructed the facility will treat 350,000 tonnes of waste per annum and will generate the equivalent of powering c. 93 000 homes.

This acquisition is Viridor’s first since becoming a standalone business in 2020, when it set its focus on growing the core areas of its business; energy recovery and polymers reprocessing. Viridor’s aim is to reach commercial operation of the new EfW within 2026.

Viridor CEO, Kevin Bradshaw commented “We are delighted to announce that today, we have entered into an agreement to purchase the rights to develop, construct and operate the new EfW located on Tilbury Docks in east London”.

"Energy recovery facilities are vital in the diversion of waste from landfill and the recovery of energy from what remains. This is a significant milestone in Viridor’s growth journey, and Tilbury’s strategic location offers the potential to further develop our carbon capture plans and commitment to be net zero by 2040."

ESB has developed the project since 2017 having taken it from concept to a fully consented project, adding significant value in the process. The sale transaction marks ESB’s exit from the UK biomass and EfW sectors following a strategic review of its investment portfolio. ESB congratulates Viridor on their successful acquisition and acknowledges with thanks the assistance received from key stakeholders Thurrock Council, the Port of Tilbury and Tilbury Green Power Ltd. in developing the project to this stage.

For further information, contact communications@viridor.co.uk