Resource management firm Veolia is to generate green energy from its former landfill sites.

It is looking to better utilise the sites and add value as part of its landfill restoration programme, with the installation of solar arrays.

The company has been granted planning permission for three sites: Netley in Hampshire, Ling Hall in Warwickshire and Ockendon in Essex.

Once at full capacity, they will be capable of generating more than 70MW of electricity – enough for 185,000 homes.

The power generated – equivalent to powering the kettle for 84 million cups of tea every day – will be fed into the National Grid.