The facility, constructed and operated by EFW Ness Limited - a subsidiary of Acciona UK Limited, will process non-recyclable waste from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils, and will produce both electricity for the national grid and heat for a district heating network.

The facility is now in the “hot commissioning” phase, during which the plant will begin processing a limited amount of waste while assessments are carried out on the performance of the systems within it.

During the hot commissioning phase, water vapour (steam) may be visible at times leaving the stack as the exhaust gases cool. In the initial stages, steam cleaning will take place and the stack may also expel any dust that has gathered in the equipment and there may be some noise as this is released. This is a normal and temporary part of the commissioning process and presents no risk to the public.

The first refuse vehicles will be seen entering and exiting the site delivering waste into the storage bunker within the site.

Following this period of assessment, the plant is expected to become fully operational later in 2023.

Aberdeen City Council Co-leader, Councillor Ian Yuill said: “Entering the hot commissioning phase of preparation for the opening of the Energy from Waste facility is an important step towards completion of the project and meeting our objectives for waste management.

“When the facility becomes fully operational later this year it will become a valuable asset to Councils in the North East for the disposal of waste, and energy generation, and will contribute to our overall net zero ambitions.”