The NESS Energy from Waste facility, located in East Tullos, has begun full operation following the successful completion of testing.
The plant processes non-recyclable waste from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray Councils and will produce electricity for the national grid, and heat for a district heating network.
The project has been in a testing phase since February 2023, processing a limited amount of waste. This has now been completed and the facility is now accepting a full capacity of waste, which is around 150,000 tonnes per year for the three councils combined.
Aberdeen City Council Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “I am pleased to see the energy from waste plant up and running. Not only will it provide a sustainable way for the three North East councils to treat general waste, it will also generate heat.
“The heat provide by the energy from waste plant will be distributed by the Torry Heat Network, crucially providing low-cost heating for schools, care facilities and social housing nearby."
Councillor Gillian Owen, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, added: “I am delighted that the impressive energy from waste plant is now in full operation and with it comes an end to non-recyclable waste being sent to landfill.
“This plant will accept residual waste from across Aberdeenshire and generate energy for the national grid that will help to subsidise the cost of waste disposal. While doing so, it will ultimately provide heat for the surrounding community, which is very welcome news indeed.”
Leader of Moray Council, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, added: “To be collaborating with our neighbours in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils on a project that processes our non-recyclable waste into useful energy is an exciting venture that I hope opens the doors of possibility to other initiatives as we work towards our climate targets.
“Delivering the project on time means we will meet our requirements under the landfill ban legislation and continues our journey to reduce carbon emissions.”
The facility is being built and managed by EFW Ness Ltd, a subsidiary of Acciona Industrial UK Ltd. Day-to-day operations are handled by the operator, Indaver UK.