German firm MVV wins Plymouth waste plant deal

German waste-to-energy firm MVV has been named as preferred bidder for a controversial £140m incinerator scheme in Plymouth’s Royal Dockyard.

MVV will build a plant capable of handling 245,000 tonnes-a-year of waste under the 25-year PFI partnership with local councils.

Local residents and MPs spoke against the scheme proposed for Plymouth’s north dock near residential areas.

An alternative plan by competitor Viridor for a less controversial quarry site near Lee Mill was rejected.

MVV will partner with Plymouth council, Devon council and Torbay council to form the South West Devon Waste Partnership to deliver the scheme.

Up to 400 jobs will be created during construction, with about 35 permanent jobs once the plant is up and running.

Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment Devonport – a subsidiary of MVV Umwelt, said: “We are very pleased that, after a rigorous selection process, the Partnership has chosen MVV to help it manage the residual waste from Plymouth, Devon and Torbay and use it as a valuable resource.

MVV is set to submit a planning application this spring.