Rookery Pit Energy Recovery Facility
An EfW facility based upon conventional combustion technology and considered an ERF based on its R1 status. Rookery Pit Energy Recovery Facility (also known as Rookery South) has a permitted capacity of 657,000 tonnes per year.
The plant is owned and operated by Enfinium. Delivery of waste is primarily by road, with the facility in a former clay extraction pit near Stewartby, Bedfordshire[1][5].
Site Details
| Operator | Encyclis |
|---|---|
| Site | Rookery Pit ERF |
| Size | Extra Large |
| Permit No | WP3234DY |
| Plated Capacity | 657 |
| Status | Operational |
Plant Description
The plant was delivered under a turnkey EPC arrangement with Hitachi Zosen Inova technology over a 3 year programme with technical oversight by Covanta[3][4].
In October 2022 it was reported that hot commissioning had commenced with the intention to move to full operations in May 2023[6] and Encyclis reported operational handover occurred in June 2023[5].
The plant technology comprises a single line standard moving grate technology by Hitachi Zosen Inova, producing super-heated steam, generating 42MWe[3].
The plant runs primarily on residual Household Waste from the contract between Biffa and Leicestershire County Council and Commercial Waste provided from Biffa's existing local waste and third party contracted arrangements.
History
The project was developed by Covanta (now known as Encyclis) who are also the operator of the facility.
Originally permitted for 585,000 tonnes a year, the permit was extended to 657,000 tonnes a year in 2024[1].
The facility was owned by Covanta (40%), Veolia (20%) and Green Investment Group (40%).
In March 2022 EQT, the owner of Covanta, bought the interests of the Green Investment Group in this and three other projects (Newhurst EfW, Protos EFW, and Earls Gate Energy Centre) to leave Green Investment Group with no further interest in the projects[2].
