In the UK, Encyclis, a leading pure-play Energy-from-Waste (EfW) business has announced the start of full-scale construction on Walsall Energy Recovery Facility (Walsall ERF) following the completion of groundworks. The new EfW facility is due to begin operations in 2027 and will provide the West Midlands with up to 478,000 tonnes per year of residual waste treatment capacity.
Construction of the waste bunker at Walsall ERF is already nearing completion. The focus will then turn to the main process buildings, starting with the boiler hall, as concrete and structural steelworks are put in place.
Building work will progress over the coming months to prepare for the start of mechanical and electrical installation, when the key components of the Energy-from-Waste process will be fitted.
Walsall ERF will strengthen Encyclis’ core fleet of Energy-from-Waste facilities in the Midlands region of England, alongside Rookery South ERF in Bedfordshire, Newhurst ERF in Leicestershire, and Protos ERF in Cheshire.
We are immensely proud to see the facility beginning to take shape now, with full construction progressing very well. When complete, this facility will provide the region with modern infrastructure that not only delivers an essential public sanitation service but generates baseload electricity and enables heat export for a potential district heat network in the community. There’s a clear need to enable the recovery of resources from unrecyclable waste as we transition to a more circular economy. We are building a facility that will deliver that capability, while also providing skilled jobs and supply chain opportunities that will benefit the local economy, said Owen Michaelson, CEO at Encyclis.
The development will give a new lease of life to disused industrial land in Walsall, helping drive forward the West Midlands’ ambition to become a hub of green innovation.
At the peak of construction, the site will employ around 300 workers. The facility will be fully owned and operated by Encyclis, creating around 60 skilled jobs.
Encyclis has formed a supply network with multiple local and regional waste management companies, which will get direct access to this safe and efficient recovery outlet.
As many of the West Midlands’ older waste facilities approach the end of their viable lifespan, Walsall ERF will provide the region with vital modern infrastructure.
