London's transformation into an energy-from-waste capital is accelerating as Cory Group prepares to open Europe's largest facility next to its existing Belvedere plant. The £900mn expansion will process 1.5mn tonnes of refuse annually, generating 150MW of electricity to power 400,000 homes. Cory's chief executive Dougie Sutherland defends the business model, calling it 'a good business to be in' amid rising consumerism and population growth.

This expansion reflects broader UK trends, with 65 energy-from-waste facilities operating nationwide and 10 more under construction. However, critics argue these plants discourage recycling and emit pollutants that disproportionately affect poor communities. Environmental groups like Greenpeace oppose the expansion, while London's mayor initially resisted but dropped legal challenges citing prohibitive costs. The UK government announced stricter regulations for new furnaces in England in 2024, yet incineration rates continue climbing.

Despite environmental concerns, the economics remain compelling. Cory Group reported £85.2mn in earnings for 2024, paying £32.7mn in dividends to infrastructure investors. The business model attracts private capital because waste generation remains constant regardless of economic conditions. Industry executives argue energy-from-waste is preferable to landfill, which produces more greenhouse gases and toxic leachate. As recycling rates plateau at 44 per cent and incineration reaches 50.2 per cent of waste collected, energy-from-waste plants are positioned as essential infrastructure for managing Britain's growing waste stream.