The start up follows the completion of preconstruction works for German energy specialist MVV Umwelt and the securing of planning permission and the Environment Permit for the plant.
Regional managing director of Kier’s infrastructure business, Sean Jeffery, said: “This movement to the next phase of the contract extends Kier involvement in the Devonport Dockyard site to over 40 years, from the frigate and submarine complexes in the 1970s to refurbishment of the docks in the 1990s and 2000s.
“It provides a welcome boost for the local economy by securing up to 150 construction jobs with a commitment to try to secure 70% of workers from the local area throughout the two-year build period.
Kier is now working with MVV and local supply chain partners to construct the facility with commissioning due to start in late 2014.
The incinerator is designed to handle 250,000 tonnes of rubbish a year, which would generate 57,000 tonnes of bottom ash.