BBC News Highlights EPi's Proposed £100M Recycling Plant for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

A recent BBC News article reports on Environmental Power International's ambitious plans—together with Claude Fenton Holdings—to develop a £100 million pyrolysis-based recycling plant. The proposed facility at Theale Quarry aims to:

• Use zero-combustion pyrolysis technology

• Convert non-recyclable waste into clean products, including:

  • Bio-naphtha (for Sustainable Aviation Fuel)

  • Hydrogen

  • Solid carbon

• Avoid emissions, reduce landfill/incineration, and support the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target.

The developers state this would be among the first full-scale commercial plants of its type in the UK, supporting the decarbonisation of the aviation sector and employing 36 people.

🏛️ Planning Process Update

The application, submitted in April 2024, has been called in by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, removing the decision from West Berkshire Council.

Despite this, local officials expressed support for its climate benefits:

"No one thinks of waste treatment as sexy or fun, but when it comes to carbon removal I am really rather proud there is a site being considered here in West Berkshire."
— Vicky Poole, West Berkshire Council