Major construction milestone reached on the North London Heat & Power Project as new vehicle entrance opens at the north of the site

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) is pleased to announce another major construction milestone on its nationally significant infrastructure project - the North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP).

A new entrance into Edmonton EcoPark from Deephams Farm Road has been completed to support the delivery of a new sustainable waste hub, the NLHPP.

The new road was completed in December 2020, ready to be used by construction vehicles delivering the first phase of the NLHPP which includes flagship recycling facilities. 2021 is set to be a landmark year, with construction starting on the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) and Reuse and Recycling Centre allowing north London residents and businesses to bring their recycling direct to the EcoPark for the first time ever. The new RRF will also have capacity to manage up to 135,000 tonnes of recycled material each year including wood, plastic and metal.

Councillor Clyde Loakes, Chair of NLWA said:

“It is fantastic to see the North London Heat and Power Project taking shape. During 2020 we achieved a number of construction milestones to deliver this essential waste infrastructure project for north London’s two million residents.”

“The new entrance at the north of the EcoPark represents a key stage in the programme to deliver vital new recycling facilities, ready for the EcoPark South contractor to start using the road as construction commences early this year”.

In summer 2019, Enfield-based contractor Galldris Services, began construction to build a new entrance into the EcoPark off Deephams Farm Road, south of Ardra Road. The new entry point has been built to support traffic flows within the EcoPark as the NLHPP is brought forward over the next ten years. Once completed the NLHPP will support the drive to increase recycling rates, divert waste from landfill, and unlock one of the largest low-carbon district heat networks in London.

During construction Galldris Services utilised a construction method called Deep Soil Mixing which involves reusing existing soils to create new road surfaces. The innovative, cleaner construction technique results in less excavated soil required to be transported away from site and therefore less congestion on local roads and minimised vehicle pollution. Galldris Services, together with other NLWA contractors have already saved 2,500 lorry journeys by using this construction technique.

As well as constructing the new road, significant improvements have been made to the failing Salmons Brook riverbank by installing sheet pile walling to improve the riverbank’s stability. In spring 2021, landscaping will be completed along the riverbank to enhance biodiversity.

The NLHPP is delivering a wide range of community benefits including at least 225 on-site training placements for local residents. During December 2020, as part of Galldris’ works at Deephams Farm Road, ten trainees were welcomed onto the site to get hands-on experience and learn about construction methods in practice. The placements have been designed to equip local people with the skills required for a career in construction, working towards obtaining a recognised certificate, such as the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

As well as driving up recycling rates, the NLHPP will also replace the existing Energy from Waste plant at the EcoPark - believed to be the oldest in Europe – which has been diverting waste from landfill for 50 years. The new world-class Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) will use non-recyclable waste as a resource for society to generate efficient, low-carbon heat and power for local homes and the country’s National Grid, unlocking one of the largest low-carbon district heat networks in London.

Works to deliver the NLHPP are progressing rapidly. This year construction will begin to build flagship recycling facilities, and procurement for the ERF contract will continue. So far, 12 apprentices have been appointed onto the Project in life-changing roles covering civil engineering, construction, quantity surveying and business management. A further 23 people have received valuable skills training courses, to equip them with the skills needed for a career in construction. NLWA looks forward to welcoming more apprentices and trainees as we enter 2021, as part of our commitment to deliver at least 100 apprentices and 225 on-site skills training placements.