The construction sector witnesses a significant development with Kilkern securing a pivotal contract.
- Kilkern will manage comprehensive underground works at the LSEP, a major energy project.
- This £480 million venture involves complex drainage and ducting across 8.5km.
- The LSEP project will notably contribute to sustainability by diverting 600,000 tonnes of waste.
- On completion, the plant is set to power 125,000 homes with renewable energy.
Bolton-based civil engineering firm Kilkern has undertaken the substantial task of installing all underground services at the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant (LSEP) located near Northwich in Cheshire. This project marks a pivotal moment in the region’s infrastructure development, as it involves intricate tasks such as setting up deep drainage systems, ducting, and various essential utilities over a stretch of approximately 8.5 kilometres. The significance of this initiative is further highlighted by its role in the regional energy and environmental management strategy.
The LSEP project, a collaborative effort between Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and FCC Environment, engages Kilkern alongside Black & Veatch, the appointed engineering, procurement, and construction management contractor. These entities are converging their expertise to ensure the seamless execution of this £480 million project, which is highly anticipated to redefine sustainable energy production in the locality.
Once operational, LSEP is anticipated to inject approximately 69.9 megawatts of electricity into the grid by utilising waste combustion technologies. This effort is not only crucial for energy generation but also significantly mitigates landfill dependency, with the facility diverting around 600,000 tonnes of waste annually from landfill sites. Such an undertaking is expected to meet the energy demands of around 125,000 homes, catering to over two-thirds of Cheshire West and Chester households. It is an impactful strategy towards enhancing energy security while advancing environmental sustainability.
Kilkern, having established foundational infrastructure for the site in 2022, expresses enthusiasm for further collaboration with Black & Veatch and the LSEP leadership. According to Craig Winter, Kilkern’s Operations Manager, this project stands as one of the most significant in the region due to its substantial implications for waste management and energy production. Winter highlights the firm’s commitment to contributing to landmark projects that promise both economic and environmental benefits.
The plant’s construction is progressing towards an expected operational date in 2025. As a strategic asset in the UK’s quest for sustainable energy solutions, the Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant is poised to serve as a model for future developments in efficient and ecological waste-to-energy conversion.
The Lostock Sustainable Energy Plant represents a forward leap in both waste management and renewable energy production in the UK.
