An 8MW waste recovery plant has been officially opened by HRH the Princess Royal.

The Battlefield Energy Recovery Facility in Shrewsbury, developed by Veolia on behalf of Shropshire Council, uses the latest energy recovery technology to transform unrecyclable household waste into a valuable resource.

It can process a yearly volume of 90,000 tonnes of waste, from which it can produce 8MW of power, enough to supply 10,000 homes.

So far more than 250 members of the public have attended the visitor centre at the site to learn more about the process itself and the importance of sustainability.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Chairman of Shropshire Council, said: “This excellent facility is at the heart of our commitment to sustainability and making the best use of our resources.

“It allows us to divert non-recyclable waste away from landfill and into green energy and complements the new household recycling centres we have opened and the improvements to our kerbside recycling service.”

She also credited the plant and similar projects for seeing recycling rates in Shropshire rise higher than in many other areas of the country.