Information for Matford Park Energy from Waste Plant / "Exeter Energy Recovery Facility", Grace Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter
Status: ExistingPlanning Region: South West
Planning Sub-Region: Devon
Operator: Cyclerval UK under contract to Viridor / KKR
Capacity: 65,700
Campaign Group(s): Exeter Friends of the Earth
Notes: Formally opened October 2014 [Source]. It was reported in February 2019 that a contract to incinerate waste from Devon had been agreed [Source]. Permit PP3234UG/HP3538CR issued. The BEIS 2020 Q1 Heat Networks Pipeline Report associates this incinerator with proposals for a South West Exeter Heat Network [Source]. In March 2024 it was reported that "processed more than it was allowed to last year, prompting operators to apply for an increase in its permitted capacity" to 65,700 tpa, and this was increased in a March 2024 permit variation [Source]. (Entry updated 2026-03-03)
Waste management for England 2024: Operational (Environment Agency)
Uses data from 2024 Waste Data Interrogator - Version 2 released by the Environment Agency under the Environment Agency Conditional Licence. © Environment Agency copyright
Permit: HP3538CR
| Date First Permitted | Operator Name | Site Name | Site Address | Type | Permitted Capacity (tonnage) | Tonnage Incinerated in 2014 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2015 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2016 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2017 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2018 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2019 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2020 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2021 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2022 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2023 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2024 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2022 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2023 | Tonnage Incinerated in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/03/2012 | Paprec Energies Cyclerval Limited | Exeter Efw | Exeter Transfer Station,Grace Road South,,Marsh Barton Trading Estate,EXETER,Devon EX2 8QE | Municipal and/or Industrial & Commercial | 60,000 | 37,726 | 54,123 | 53,457 | 55,685 | 57,986 | 58,256 | 60,219 | 59,688 | 59,751 | 62,732 | 58,770 | 59,751 | 62,732 | 58,770 |
Waste management for England 2023 & 2024: Waste received
2023: Uses data from 2023 Waste Data Interrogator - Version 2 released by the Environment Agency under the Environment Agency Conditional Licence. © Environment Agency copyright
2024: Uses data from 2024 Waste Data Interrogator - Version 2 released by the Environment Agency under the Environment Agency Conditional Licence. © Environment Agency copyright
Permit: HP3538CR
Form: Solid
Origin WPA: Devon
Origin Region: South West
Fate: Incineration
R and D code: D10.01
SOC Category: 10 - Mixed ordinary wastes
SOC Sub Category: Household and similar wastes
| EWC Waste Desc | Waste Code | Recorded Origin | Tonnes Received (2023) | Tonnes Received (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mixed municipal waste | 20 03 01 | Exeter | 23,167 | 22,864 (-1%) |
| mixed municipal waste | 20 03 01 | East Devon | 17,507 | 17,450 (-0.3%) |
| mixed municipal waste | 20 03 01 | Mid Devon | 13,301 | 11,991 (-10%) |
| mixed municipal waste | 20 03 01 | Teignbridge | 6,798 | 4,678 (-31%) |
| street-cleaning residues | 20 03 03 | Exeter | 1,200 | 1,051 (-12%) |
| street-cleaning residues | 20 03 03 | East Devon | 759 | 736 (-3%) |
Waste management for England 2023 & 2024: Waste removed
2023: Uses data from 2023 Waste Data Interrogator - Version 1 released by the Environment Agency under the Environment Agency Conditional Licence. © Environment Agency copyright
2024: Uses data from 2024 Waste Data Interrogator - Version 2 released by the Environment Agency under the Environment Agency Conditional Licence. © Environment Agency copyright
Permit: HP3538CR
| EWC Sub Chapter | EWC Waste Desc | Waste Code | Recorded Destination | Destination WPA | Destination Region | Fate | R and D code | SOC Category | SOC Sub Category | Tonnes Removed (2023) | Tonnes Removed (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | bottom ash and slag other than those mentioned in 19 01 11 | 19 01 12 | Not Codeable | Not Codeable | Not Codeable | Recovery | R05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Combustion wastes | 5,080.44 | |
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | bottom ash and slag other than those mentioned in 19 01 11 | 19 01 12 | Bristol, City of | Bristol City | South West | Recovery | R05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Combustion wastes | 11,363.44 | 5,045.28 (-56%) |
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | solid wastes from gas treatment | 19 01 07* | South Gloucestershire | South Gloucestershire | South West | Recovery | R05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Combustion wastes | 2,126.34 | 1,056.10 (-50%) |
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | solid wastes from gas treatment | 19 01 07* | South West | South West (WPA Not codeable) | South West | Recovery | R05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Combustion wastes | 579.58 | |
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | solid wastes from gas treatment | 19 01 07* | Devon | Devon | South West | Recovery | R05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Combustion wastes | 465.58 | |
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | ferrous materials removed from bottom ash | 19 01 02 | Exeter | Devon | South West | Recovery | R04 | 06 - Metallic wastes | Ferrous metal waste and scrap | 309.56 | 454.54 (+47%) |
| Waste linings and refractories | linings and refractories from non-metallurgical processes others than those mentioned in 16 11 05 | 16 11 06 | Tewkesbury | Gloucestershire | South West | Other Fate | D02 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Various mineral wastes | 36.20 | |
| Incineration or pyrolysis of waste | solid wastes from gas treatment | 19 01 07* | Peterborough | Peterborough | East of England | Landfill | D05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Combustion wastes | 15.52 | |
| Waste linings and refractories | linings and refractories from non-metallurgical processes others than those mentioned in 16 11 05 | 16 11 06 | Tewkesbury | Gloucestershire | South West | Landfill | D05 | 12 - Mineral wastes | Various mineral wastes | 6.22 |
Environment Agency 2024 & 2025 Pollution Inventory: Substances
2024: Uses data from the Pollution Inventory 2024 released by the Environment Agency under the Open Government License.
2025: Uses data from the Pollution Inventory 2025 snapshot from April 2025 released by the Environment Agency under the Open Government License. The data may change in the final version.
Permit: HP3538CR
SITE ADDRESS: Exeter Energy From Waste Facility Grace Road South Marsh Barton Devon
ROUTE NAME: Air
METHODNAME: Measured
| SUBSTANCE NAME | QUANTITY RELEASED (kg) (2024) | QUANTITY RELEASED (kg) (2025) | METHODTEXT | METHODDESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | 53,523,700 | 56,560,000 (+6%) | Measurement method prescribed by us in an operating permit or licence for the facility | |
| Chromium | 27.00 | 23.90 (-11%) | Alternative measurement method in accordance with existing CEN/ISO measurement standards | |
| Nickel | 50.90 | 16.50 (-68%) | Alternative measurement method in accordance with existing CEN/ISO measurement standards | |
| Mercury | 1.47 | 2.03 (+38%) | Alternative measurement method in accordance with existing CEN/ISO measurement standards |
GHG Performance in 2022
Uses data from operators collated for openDemocracy article "Some ‘renewable’ UK incinerators are more polluting than coal stations"
Permit: HP3538CR
| Total waste combusted (Total) | Electricity generated (MWh) | Electricity imported (MWh) | Electricity Exported (MWh) | Annual mass of carbon dioxide released (t) | CO2 Source | Annual mass emissions of nitrous oxide (tonnes) | N2O source | Biogenic percentage | Biogenic source | Total kg CO2e (including biogenic) per tonne combusted | Fossil kg CO2 per tonne combusted | Kg of fossil carbon equiv per MWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59,751 | 28,410 | 244 | 22,466 | 55,324 | Carbon dioxide emissions are measured by an MCERTS CO2 CEM which forms part of the plant's overall continuous emissions monitoring system. | 2.17 | MCERTS compliant N2O CEM was installed in May 2022. Average N2O per tonne of waste treated was calculated from June to December and this value was used to calculate the annual emission of N2O. | 51.80% | Estimated using the 2017 WRAP data for residual waste | 937 | 446 | 1,216 |
GHG Performance in 2023
Uses data from Pollution Inventory 2023 extract and Annual Peformance Reports submitted by operators and released by the Environment Agency under the Open Government License
Permit: HP3538CR
| Permitted capacity (ktpa) | Total waste combusted | CO2 (kg) | CO2 per tonne (kg) | CO2 Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 62,732 | 48,123,000 | 767 | Pollution Inventory |
APR Summary 2024 & 2025
Details taken or derived from the Annual Performance Report submitted by the operator
Permit: HP3538CR
| Entry | Value (2024) | Value (2025) | Notes (2024) | Notes (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Size TPA | 65,900 | 65,700 (-0.3%) | Exeter Energy From Waste Plant | Exeter Energy from Waste Facility |
| Plant Size MWe | 4.00 | 3.14 (-21%) | ||
| Power Generated Year Total | 27,990.00 | 29,443.00 (+5%) | ||
| Power Generated kWh per tonne | 476.26 | 517.17 (+9%) | ||
| Power Exported Year Total | 22,070.00 | 23,171.60 (+5%) | ||
| Power Exported kWh per tonne | 375.53 | 407.02 (+8%) | ||
| Power Imported Year Total | 279.86 | 408.00 (+46%) | ||
| Power Imported kWh per tonne | 4.76 | 7.17 (+51%) | ||
| Parasitic Load Year Total | 0.22 | 0.22 | ||
| Thermal Energy Exported Year Total | 0.00 | |||
| Total Waste Received Year Total | 5,877,024.00% | 60,629.19 | ||
| Total Waste Combusted Year Total | 58,770.24 | 56,930.49 (-3%) | Household / Local Authority (100.00%) | Household / Local Authority (99.77%) |
| NCV Year Total | 9.88 | |||
| Permit Breaches Year Total | 2.00 | |||
| Annual CO2 Mass | 5,332,400.00% | 55,917.40 | CO2 measured using MCERTs CO2 CEM | A mass emission calculation using the percent of CO2 measured by FTIR in accordance with EN14181 and the stack flow measured in accordance with 16911-2. |
| Annual CO2 Mass Per Tonne | 91.00% | 0.98 | ||
| Annual CO2 Mass Per Mwh | 2.42 | 2.41 (-0.4%) | ||
| Annual N2O Mass | 3.33 | 4.53 (+36%) | N2O measured using MCERTs NsO CEM | A mass emission calculation using the concentration of Nitrous Oxide measured by FTIR in accordance with EN14181 and the stack flow measured in accordance with 16911-2. |
| Total CO2 N2O | 57,118.61 | |||
| Biogenic CO2 Percentage | 0.52 | 0.48 (-8%) | Estimated using the 2017 WRAP figure for residual waste | Biogenic CO2 emissions assumed to be the same as the waste feedstock sampling biogenic percentage (by CV), measured via waste sampling. |
| Biogenic Percentage NCV | 0.52 | 0.48 (-8%) | 0 | Waste Sampling. The method used is the selective dissolution method as defined in BS EN ISO 21644:2021. |
| Biogenic Percentage Mass | 0.52 | 0.56 (+8%) | Estimated using the 2017 WRAP figure for residual waste | Waste Sampling. The method used is the selective dissolution method as defined in BS EN ISO 21644:2021. |
| Plant Size MWth | 19.00 | |||
Entry on WikiWaste:
https://wikiwaste.org.uk/index.php/Exeter_Energy_Recovery_FacilityAnnual Performance Report files:
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2018.pdf161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2019.xlsm
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2020.xlsm
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2021.xlsm
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2022.xlsm
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2023.xlsm
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2024.xlsm
161-AnnualPerformanceReport-2025.xlsm
Permit Variation files:
161-PermitVariation-2022.pdf161-PermitVariation-2025.pdf
Permit Variation Decision files:
161-PermitVariationDecision-2022.pdfEnvironment Agency Compliance Assessment Reports
View compliance documents for this incineratorView the full UKWIN incinerator compliance index
Historic permit-related documents
See historic documents relating to permit HP3538CRStandard notice:
UKWIN (and therefore the UKWIN map) focuses on Municipal Waste Incinerators, whereas our colleagues at Biofuelwatch focus on biomass projects. If you are interested in biomass incinerators (including waste wood plants) over 20MW then please see the Biofuelwatch map of UK Biomass Power Stations. Those concerned about biomass plants, including waste wood plants, should email Biofuelwatch at biofuelwatch[at]gmail.com.Please be aware: There is always room for improvement, so please send updates to coordinator@ukwin.org.uk. Existing Incinerator means a facility that is operational or under construction/commissioning. A Potential Incinerator is a facility where there is a proposal for an incinerator (e.g. planning application or planning consent) or other reason to believe an incinerator might be built/proposed in the future. A Prevented Incinerator is something which used to be a proposal or expected incinerator which we do not believe is currently being progressed (e.g. because the project was cancelled, planning permission refused, or years have gone by since the permission was granted without any progress) - in some cases a facility marked as prevented is being progressed without us being aware or is subsequently revived. Capacity is usually the permitted or maximum advertised capacity of the facility.