Brockwell Energy Services Ltd (BESL) has successfully overseen the delivery of the Westfield Energy Recovery Facility (WERF) into commercial operations, marking a major achievement for the company and a pivotal moment in the regeneration of a former opencast coal site in Fife.
The project represents years of planning, investment, and co-ordinated effort, culminating in the transition of this best-in-class energy-from-waste (EfW) facility into full-time operation. Brockwell played a central role throughout the project lifecycle - originating the concept, securing feedstock, planning consents and financing, and ultimately managing the construction phase under a long-term Management Services Agreement (MSA).
The WERF project was conceived as part of a wider long-term plan to transform the derelict Westfield surface mine into a Green Energy Park, with the ERF facility being the catalyst for the site's regeneration. Brockwell identified the opportunity to deliver a sustainable waste management solution and worked closely with Fife Council and Cireco to align mutual objectives; providing Cireco with a non-landfill solution for their waste and securing a long-term, bankable feedstock source for the project.
After the project was consented, BESL led the procurement, contracting and financing of the £293m project, funded with a blend of equity and a senior debt facility provided by Investec, ABN, MUFG and NatWest.
Following the appointment of industry leading Kanadevia Inova (KVI) in 2021 as EPC contractor and long-term O&M partner, BESL led the management of construction activities, ensuring the facility was delivered safely, to plan, and in line with investor expectations. KVI’s proven global expertise, combined with Brockwell’s hands-on project leadership, has been instrumental in the project’s success.
Brockwell divested its 100% equity interest in Westfield in late 2022 to infrastructure investor Equitix, who subsequently sold a 50% stake to Viridor. Under the terms of the MSA, BESL remained actively involved, managing the final stages of construction and now continuing in an asset management role as the plant transitions into operations.
With capacity to process around 250,000 tonnes of residual, commercial and industrial waste each year, WERF offers a long-term, sustainable solution for waste treatment in Fife and the wider region. The facility will generate up to 24MW of reliable baseload electricity - enough to power approximately 70,000 homes and businesses - and will contribute significantly to Scotland’s landfill diversion and circular economy targets.
The successful delivery of the Westfield ERF reflects Brockwell’s ability to lead complex, large-scale infrastructure projects through the entire project lifecycle through origination, consenting, procurement, funding, construction and into operations. The scheme is already significantly increasing interest from other businesses looking to locate to the Westfield site. The project stands as a clear demonstration of the company’s entrepreneurial approach, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sustainable infrastructure and delivering value to both public and private stakeholders.
