Overview
Walpole Landfill AD (Waste AD) is a 1.6 MW biomass power plant in the United Kingdom, operated by Viridor. It converts landfill gas into electricity, supporting renewable energy generation.
Walpole Landfill AD (Waste AD) is a biomass power plant located in the United Kingdom, with an operational status and a capacity of 1.6 MW. The facility is owned by Viridor, a leading resource and waste management company. As a small-scale biomass plant, it contributes to the UK's renewable energy portfolio by utilizing landfill gas to generate electricity. The plant operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Renewable Obligation and the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) as retained in UK law. The technology employed is anaerobic digestion, which processes organic waste to produce biogas. This biogas is then combusted in engines to generate power, with emissions controlled to meet Best Available Techniques (BAT) standards. Environmentally, the plant plays a key role in diverting organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions, and providing low-carbon electricity to the local grid. Its small capacity means it serves a niche but important function in the regional energy mix, supporting the UK's transition to net-zero emissions.
Environmental context
The plant's biomass fuel source, primarily landfill gas, has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels, but still emits CO2 and trace pollutants. Its location in a rural area of Somerset minimizes direct impact on densely populated zones. The facility's small capacity (1.6 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint, while its operation under UK emissions standards ensures compliance with air quality regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Walpole Landfill AD is located in the United Kingdom, near the village of Walpole in Somerset. The plant is situated at coordinates 51.1839 N, -2.9829 W.
Walpole Landfill AD is a biomass power plant that uses anaerobic digestion to convert landfill gas into electricity. It has a capacity of 1.6 MW.
The plant is owned by Viridor, a major UK waste management company. Viridor typically manages its own facilities.
Biomass power plants in the UK must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) as retained in UK law, along with the Renewable Obligation scheme. They must meet Best Available Techniques (BAT) for emissions control.
By generating electricity from landfill gas, the plant reduces methane emissions from waste decomposition and provides a renewable energy source. It supports the UK's goal of increasing low-carbon electricity generation.