Vattenfall will explore opportunities to anchor heat networks to Viridor’s fleet of energy-from-waste plants under a new partnership formed by the two firms.
The Swedish energy company said this approach is common in Europe where it already works with operators to capture heat from energy-from-waste facilities and pipe warmth to the surrounding communities.
Noah Nkonge, head of partnerships at Vattenfall Heat UK, said: “To reach net zero the UK has to crack the problem of emissions from heat, which currently make up one third of the UK’s total emissions.
“Working together with Viridor, we’re looking to bring all the right people and organisations to the table so we can reduce emissions and provide reliable, affordable heating for homes and businesses in cities across the country.”
Viridor currently operates 12 energy-from-waste plants in the UK, which are expected to produce more than 2.3TWh of electricity this year, and has plans to build more.
Richard Pennells, Viridor’s managing director of energy, said: “This announcement underlines Viridor’s commitment to ensuring that all waste becomes a useful resource which contributes to the UK economy.
“Our energy recovery facilities put non-recyclable waste to work within sophisticated combined heat and power plants. We are excited about this new collaboration with Vattenfall which combines two leading businesses in their sector to create meaningful change in towns and cities across the UK.”
Energy and clean growth minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Heat networks are playing a vital role in decarbonising the way we warm our homes and businesses and that’s why the government has committed £320 million of funding through the Heat Networks Investment Project.
“The UK continues to lead the way in transitioning to a future with net zero carbon emissions and I’m delighted to see Vattenfall and Viridor working together to deliver innovative, low carbon heating.”