Agile Energy Recovery (Inverurie) has submitted a full application to Aberdeenshire Council for its proposed state-of-the-art £200 million Energy Recovery Facility (ERF).

The ERF represents the first phase in Agile Energy’s proposals to create a “world leading” low carbon energy hub called the Thainstone Energy Park within the existing Kirkwood Commercial Park, at Thainstone near Port Elphinstone.

The plant would receive up to 200,000 tonnes of municipal and industrial residual waste that is waste that cannot be recycled and would otherwise be sent to landfill.

Agile Energy estimates the incinerator would generate around 80 megawatts of heat, enough for at least 32,000 local homes and businesses, and approximately 20 megawatts of electricity, which could supply around 62,000 homes.

Using a district heat network and heat batteries, the developer plans to deliver heat to consumers through a community-owned energy company at a competitive price.

Managing director of Agile Energy, Alf Robertson, said: “I am delighted to have submitted the application and we would like to thank all our partners in this effort and those who have taken the time to review the proposals and importantly provide feedback during the consultation phase.

“This feedback, as well as the technical and environmental assessments, has helped shape and inform the proposals.

“As the first phase of our vision to develop Thainstone Energy Park, a world-leading, low carbon energy development, the energy recovery facility is a vital component and the main catalyst for achieving this.

“We are also delighted to be bringing significant inward investment and employment to the area, particularly at a time when this is badly needed everywhere following the virus pandemic.”

If plans are approved, the three-year construction would begin next summer.