SINGAPORE - The first phase of Runcorn energy-from-waste facility, built by Keppel Corporation's units - Keppel Seghers Belgium and Keppel Seghers UK - has begun commercial operations in Britain.

The facility comprises two phases of equal capacity.

Phase 1 is owned by Ineos Runcorn, a joint venture between Ineos, Viridor and John Laing.

Phase 2 is owned by Viridor EfW (Runcorn), a special purpose vehicle owned by Viridor Waste Management.

Keppel Seghers completed the phase 1 of the facility in January after successfully completing a 30-day reliability test and handed the facility to the client. Phase 1 is now being operated by Viridor.

The Phase 1 plant is able to process up to 425,000 tonnes of refuse derived fuel (RDF) per annum, converting it into renewable energy comprising approximately 35 megawatt (MW) of electricity and 51 MW of thermal energy in the form of steam.

Together, it is supplying the neighbouring INEOS chemicals manufacturing facility with up to 20 per cent of its total energy needs, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

Servicing the Greater Manchester region, the plant is also expected to help divert more than 75 per cent of Greater Manchester's waste from landfill.