A major waste-to-energy plant in North London is set to remain in operation for years beyond its intended lifespan due to significant delays in building its replacement.
Facility to Operate 'Significantly Past Design Life'
The current incinerator at the Edmonton EcoPark will now stay active "up to and beyond 2030," according to the North London Waste Authority (NLWA). A report published in December confirms the facility is already "significantly past design life" for its core mechanical, electrical, and civil infrastructure.
The NLWA, controlled by councillors from seven boroughs—Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, and Waltham Forest—is responsible for waste disposal for the region.
Replacement Project Stalled and Over Budget
Construction of a new energy-from-waste facility, initially scheduled to begin operations in 2027, is ongoing but has no clear completion timeline. Project overseers cited a combination of Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and high interest rates for driving up material costs and causing delays.
Councillor Clyde Loakes, a non-executive NLWA director and Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council, stated in August that over 200 workers remained on site and construction had not halted.
The budget for the wider North London Heat and Power Project has ballooned from £1.2 billion to £1.5 billion. The project has received a £66.5 million allocation from the government's Heat Networks Investment Project.
Local Impact and Council Decisions
The delays have prompted local authorities to reconsider associated plans. Haringey's top councillors recently shelved a proposal to pipe heat from the new incinerator, citing economic uncertainty and the need for prudent financial management.
Between July and September, the authority received 22 complaints from the public. Key issues raised included:
- Traffic congestion and long vehicle queues.
- Early or inconsistent site closing times.
- Unclear guidance on residency requirements for van bookings.
- Reports of bad odours and disruption from queuing cars on residential streets.
However, the NLWA also received approximately 40 compliments during the same period, praising staff friendliness, site cleanliness, and overall positive visitor experiences.
