Peel Environmental has been given the go-ahead for a new power station near Chester, entirely fueled by household rubbish.

A new rail network will link the 95 megawatt electricity generator and recycling facilities around the 100 Ha site.  Household waste will be considered a resource as opposed to a costly problem, with the electricity generated being used to fuel the site with the remainder being fed back into the national grid. The new site is estimated to prevent 600,000 tonnes of waste going into landfill each year.  The unused land around the site will also be utilised as a wildlife reserve, offering enhanced habitat for wild birds.

September is due to see the launch of a brand new, hi-tech training simulator for the construction industry.  Based around the type of technology used for aviation simulators, the new construction system is said to me more interactive.

The £8.7M training facility in Coventry, will simulate construction sites and enable to trainee to interface with other site workers. Trainees will operate the system with a joystick and be able to see projections of the site and office on a 12 metre screen, as they manage the site and inspect building work.

There are two scenarios available, the first being a housing development, the second a high-rise office development, numerous photographs were taken during the projects, to enable them to be transferred into a virtual reality scenario. It is likely that if and when the technology is proven, other types of build and sub-contractor trades will be added.

Dave Towell NHBC training services business manager said “On the surface, it looks like role-playing, but I was absolutely blown away by the intensity of the simulation and its ability to make the training scenario real. The centre gives trainees the chance to learn – and make mistakes – in a safe environment, and without any cost implication”