The proposal for a waste-to-energy plant in Buttington Quarry near Welshpool has been unveiled, which could power 20,000 homes in Powys with low-carbon energy.

Renewable energy developer Broad Energy plan to build an energy recovery facility (ERF) in the quarry: a waste management facility which burns waste to produce electricity.

It will see up to 150,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste transformed into low-cost, low-carbon electricity and create 35 jobs in the county.

Broad Energy is asking the public for its views on its plans for Buttington in a six-week consultation period, which is yet to start.

Plans for the incinerator were previously made known to the public in 2016 and in a Trewern Community Council meeting local residents were sceptical of the plans. They were concerned about the height of the chimney and the possibility of fumes coming down onto the village and its school in certain weather conditions.

The proposal was initially going to go through Powys County Council but will now progress through the Planning Inspectorate.

Alistair Hilditch-Brown, Chief Executive of the Broad Group, believes it could help Powys become the first ‘green’ county in Wales. He said: “The plans have been in development for some time so we are really happy to finally be bringing this project to the public.

“We’ve been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to make sure this project is right for all of Powys. It could enable the county to become the leader in terms of green energy.

“I am also delighted that one of the world’s leading thermal treatment technology companies, Hitachi Zosen Inova, is involved in delivering this project. Its record of delivery is second-to-none and it is great to be working with the best in the business.

“Currently any waste that can’t be recycled ends up in a landfill site, or worse. By taking waste and turning it into low-carbon electricity and heating, this project will help Wales take a giant step towards reducing greenhouse gasses and generating low carbon energy.”

Richard Belfield, Head of Project Development at HZI said: “We are extremely proud of our track record in the delivery and operation of such energy recovery facilities safely and efficiently and we are thrilled to be working on this project with Broad Energy.”

The planned ERF will create around 300 construction jobs and 35 permanent, skilled jobs when operational. Broad Energy is planning to work with local employment providers to ensure Powys residents get the first chance to secure jobs at the site.

The consultation period is due to start in the coming months and residents, businesses, local organisations and councillors will be invited to share their views on the development.

Further details are available on the project website www.broadenergywales.co.uk where people can also leave their feedback on the development.