The Sheffield District Energy system takes the city's domestic waste, and converts it to electricity and hot water, which is distributed through a 40km network of pipes under the city, where it provide heat and hot water for dozens of buildings throughout the city, including universities, cinemas, hospitals, shops, offices and residential properties.
This series of panoramas show the old facility which was demolished recently, after being replaced by a much more modern and efficient facility in 2006.
Rubbish enters the plant
Domestic waste is placed by grabbing cranes onto huge conveyor belts.
Rubbish is burned in incinerators
Rubbish is burnt in incinerators at extremely high temperatures.
Heat converted to steam
The heat from the burning waste is used to heat water into steam.
Turbine generates electricity
The high pressure steam powers the turbine which generates electricity.
Up on the roof
Steam is condensed and expelled through the huge fan above your head.
Chimney
The chimney towers above this exterior walkway.
