Civil engineering and infrastructure specialist Barhale has been awarded the contract for the design, supply, construction and commissioning of sewer diversion works in the first steps towards the construction of the replacement Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Edmonton.

The North London Waste Authority has confirmed that under the £4.9m (€5.8m) deal Barhale will carry out the works on the existing Angel and Chingford sewers as part of the North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP) at the Edmonton EcoPark.

When fully operational, the 78MWe facility which represents the most environmental and cost effective solution for managing north London’s waste is expected to process up to 700,000 tonnes of waste per year. It will provide enough power for up to 127,000 homes and enable heat to be supplied locally.

The sewer diversion works include: tunnelling works for the installation of a 1200mm diameter sewer along a stretch of approximately 115m to divert the Chingford sewer and the installation of a 1200mm diameter sewer along a stretch of approximately 165m to divert the Angel sewer; installation of drive shafts at the confluence of the two sewers; installation of reception shafts; and connection of the new sewers to the existing network.

Barhale regional director Phil Cull regards the contract win as a feather in the cap for the business. “This is one of the largest Energy from Waste projects in the UK and is a key element in the strategy both for the capital’s waste management and also its power generation,” he said.

“We are obviously delighted to be given the go-ahead for this prestigious project and to be part of a wider team which will play such an important part in future-proofing the management of north London’s waste and providing low carbon energy.”