The flagship energy facility will boost the recovery options available to local authorities and business by transforming 320,000 tonnes of non-recyclable residual waste annually into renewable energy.

With procurement of engineering, design and construction partners in advanced stages, construction is due to start in early 2017.

Once operational in 2020, the facility will generate 33MW of energy, supplying the National Grid with enough electricity to power over 30,000 homes.

Phil Piddington, Managing Director of Viridor said: “The announcement of the go-ahead to invest £252m in a new energy from waste plant is great news for the UK waste sector and for energy resilience.  It is an integral part of our £1.5bn UK investment programme which adds to the 1.5% contribution energy from waste makes to UK power generation.

“Not only will the development boost the sustainability of waste management across Bristol and the West of England, but it is another significant infrastructure investment in the region.

“We look forward to announcing our supply chain partners in the coming months and to working with all our other stakeholders to deliver a world class project.”