Cory Environmental and US energy-from-waste incineration specialists Wheelabrator Technologieswere chosen as preferred bidder for the work in October 2010.
Defra said it will be supplying waste infrastructure credits worth 91 million towards financing of the plant.
A spokesperson for Defra said:”The Secretary of State is satisfied that the departments criteria have been met and has approved Norfolk County Councils application for Waste Infrastructure Credits. It is now for the council to take the project forward, subject to signing contracts and gaining planning permission.
Opposition
Proposals for the plant have been dogged by opposition in parts of the county and secretary of state for the environment, Caroline Spelman, had delayed a decision on the funding.And, today’sannouncement could prompt further legal wrangles over the project from opposition groups.
Reacting to a letter sent to Norfolk announcing the decision to release the funds,Bill Borrett, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: We are pleased the government has decided to support this project, which is of significant strategic importance for the people of Norfolk, and that the secretary of State is satisfied that it meets her criteria for a grant.
The grant represents the largest amount of central Government funding for a single project that this council will have ever received. It will substantially reduce the cost of a proposed new service for dealing with Norfolk residents waste, making it excellent value for money and very good news for the countys council taxpayers.
It also reflects the Government’s opinion that projects such as this will help the country meet its European landfill diversion targets.”
Cllr Borrett added: This is another, very positive step forward for this important project, but with the planning and environmental permitting processes underway, and contract arrangements for the new service still to be finalised, there is still some way to go.
The proposed energy from waste plant, known as the Willows power and recycling centre, still needs to secure planning permission as well as an environmental permit.
If the necessary permissions are granted, the new plant, said Norfolk, will treat 170,000 tonnes (about three quarters) of Norfolk residents residual waste each year and treat around 100,000 tonnes a year of waste from local businesses, providing a lower cost waste disposal option for the commercial sector.
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