SUEZ Isle of Man energy-from-waste facility celebrates one million milestone
The Richmond Hill facility supports the Isle of Man Government with its desires for a self-sufficient, zero-waste society, preserving the island’s natural heritage and treating its residual waste as a resource.
Since 2004, SUEZ has been diverting the island's household and commercial waste from landfill and generating electricity for homes and businesses. It is the only place to process municipal solid waste on the island, with none being exported, and consequently has exported over 468,000MWh of electricity from the Island’s waste into the electricity network which has been an excellent contribution to the Island’s electrical energy needs.
As well as residual municipal and trade waste, the facility safely processes other materials including clinical waste and bio-pellets from the island’s sewage plant. Energy is also recovered from used tyres which have a high calorific value, and from waste oils.
We are committed to meeting and surpassing the environmental standards set out in all relevant UK and European legislation, as well as Manx laws and regulations, and the processes are also geared towards protecting biodiversity. All discharges to watercourses, as well as emissions to air, are controlled and reported to the Environmental Protection Unit.
Not only does the site have a strong history of working in partnership with the Isle of Man Government, with an exemplary record of environmental protection and worker safety, it is also a key community hub. There is an onsite visitor centre which welcomes more than 300 people a year, including schools and community groups, as well as the option for virtual tours. Group visits are encouraged to hear more about how the facility operates and be able to speak to staff first hand. We even welcome bees onsite, with two beehives looked after by trained staff.
Jon Garrad, Isle of Man EfW plant manager for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said: “Surpassing 1,000,000 tonnes is a big milestone for our operations and we’re really proud to play our part in helping to power the Isle of Man through processing its waste effectively and sustainably. We’d love to show the facility to more of the island’s residents and give them the opportunity to hear about how the process works, and we look forward to continuing to support the local community and our environment in partnership with the Manx Government.”
Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall MHK said: "The Energy from Waste Plant is helping the Isle of Man Government deliver energy derived from waste to homes and businesses across the Island. The facility plays an important role for our community and reaching the one million tonne milestone is a great opportunity to celebrate our partnership with SUEZ."