Three European construction companies have been shortlisted for a £683m waste power plant in north London.

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has announced the three-strong shortlist for the next stage of procurement of the £683m ERF contract, which is a major part of NLWA’s plan for a sustainable waste hub in Edmonton – the North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP).

ACCIONA Industrial, S.A. (Spain), CNIM Environment & Energie EPC SAS (France) and Hitachi Zosen Inova AG (Switzerland) each passed the initial stage and will now progress to the Invitation to Submit Detailed Solutions (ISDS) stage. 

The ISDS stage will continue throughout the rest of 2020 and into the new year. In March 2021, evaluations will take place, with the subsequent dialogue stage commencing in April 2021. The contract award is due to be made towards the end of 2022.

Clyde Loakes, chair of the NLWA, said: “We are delighted to have reached the next stage of procurement for our biggest contract to date. The calibre of construction companies we are taking into the next stage demonstrates the national and international significance of this project which will help accelerate local green recovery in north London.

“As well as investing in a world-class ERF that will prevent waste going to landfill and generate low-carbon heat and power for local homes, the project also includes a £100m investment in flagship recycling facilities which are vital for boosting north London’s recycling rates.”

The NWLA claims the NLHPP is the most sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing north London’s waste in the future, saying the project is a vital part of NLWA’s efforts to tackle the climate emergency and improve household recycling levels in north London. 

As well as diverting up to 700,000 tonnes of waste from landfill every year, the ERF will also produce efficient, low-carbon energy in the form of heat and power for local homes. The wider programme includes the first ever public reuse and recycling centre at the EcoPark, as well as a state-of-the-art resource recovery facility with capacity to manage 135,000 tonnes of recyclable material every year.

The NLWA says it is investing in the highest class of proven technology for controlling emissions, which will ensure the ERF is one of the safest and cleanest in the world. 

The ERF is registered with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI), which will establish a partnership with trade unions to promote positive working practices and cultures. All the jobs provided through the ERF contract will be at or above the London Living Wage and the NLWA has set targets to achieve 25% local employment and 10% local expenditure. 

The ERF contractor will be required to deliver at least 90 apprenticeships and 180 on-site training placements for local residents to help kick-start careers in construction and engineering for the future workforce.

The NLHPP is described as an important part of the ongoing regeneration of Enfield, and part of Enfield Council’s plans to promote high-tech industries in Edmonton. The NWLA claim the project will create extensive supply chain opportunities for local businesses and support the sustainable development of Meridian Water, by providing the opportunity to heat around 10,000 new homes.