SITA UK, a recycling and waste management company, and British Solar Renewables (BSR), a Somerset-based firm, have signed an agreement that will result in several SITA UK landfill sites being transformed into solar power farms.
This deal is expected to generate renewable energy for the national grid.
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In addition to operating a landfill estate in the UK, SITA UK also has recycling and waste management facilities.
Earlier this year, SITA UK decided to look for a firm that could help it make the best use of its landfill sites.
While SITA UK already extracts methane gas from its its capped landfill locations, it intends to look for more ways that would put these sites to best use.
As part of this goal, it called for bids from solar energy specialists in the first quarter of 2014 and following a rigorous bidding process, it selected British Solar Renewables (BSR), which has experience in building on landfill locations.
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By GlobalDataOver the next few months, BSR will first assess SITA UK’s landfill estate and then shortlist the sites for development into solar farms.
The development work on the individual sites will done following planning approvals and consultation with local residents.
This agreement will, however, have no impact on the long-term maintenance and operation of the individual sites.
As per the agreement, SITA UK will be responsible for the aftercare of the landfill operation.
SITA UK general manager Geraint Rees said: "This renewable energy technology will complement the existing energy plants operated on a number of our landfill sites, which contribute a significant amount of sustainable energy to the National Grid by capturing landfill gases."
BSR business development director Giles Frampton said: "We look forward to working closely with SITA UK over the coming months and ensuring that jointly we help to mitigate the looming energy crisis that is currently facing the UK."
Earlier this month, Veolia, a waste management firm and REG Solarpower, sought approval from planning authorities of Thurrock Council for the installation of a 38MW solar array at Veolia’s landfill location in Essex, reports Resource.
If the authorities give their approval, the solar field is expected to generate electricity sufficient to power more than 8,000 homes a year.
