Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has advised North London Waste Authority (NLWA) on its contract with Acciona to build the UK’s most advanced energy recovery facility (ERF).

The state of the art recycling and waste facilities in north London – a key public infrastructure project – will convert black bin bag waste into electricity for up to 127,000 homes, and provide heat and hot water for up to 50,000 local homes, removing the need for gas boilers. It will also prevent black bin bag waste from ending up in landfill, and save the equivalent of 215,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

The ERF – which forms part of a £1.2 billion investment in Edmonton in Enfield known as the North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP) – will create more than 400 full time roles, 180 training placements and 90 apprenticeships.

"This is one of the most sustainable and nationally significant energy infrastructure projects currently in development," said Rebecca Carter, partner, Stephenson Harwood. "As well as utilising some of the world's most advanced technologies now, it will continue to adopt other sustainable technologies – such as carbon capture which will prevent carbon dioxide release – as they become viable in the future.

"Decarbonisation is one of Stephenson Harwood's focus areas, and this project showcases the expertise and experience we bring in helping our clients deliver their ambitions."

The Stephenson Harwood team was led by projects and infrastructure partner Rebecca Carter, who was supported by Richard Pike, Jenna Plush and Phil Harris.