Environment Minister John Gormley turned the sod at the site of Panda’s mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant at Beauparc, Navan, on Friday January 22nd.
The new facility will be in full production by the end of 2010 and will convert over 250,000 tons of black bin waste (previously destined for landfill) into coal substitute for cement production, high-grade compost for agricultural use and 1.3MW of electricity to be fed directly to Ireland's national power grid.
This is enough electricity to supply 5,000 homes, the equivalent of half the homes in Navan.
Eamon Waters, managing director of Panda, said: "Our decision to proceed with MBT technology was inspired by Minister Gormley's long-term support for the project as a significant part of Ireland's environmental movement. We are proud to unveil this next generation of cutting-edge recycling technology in Ireland."
For more info please go to www.meathchronicle.ie/news/navan/articles/2010/01/27/3994324-energy-projects-promise-jobs-for-180-people/print