After a five-year wait, final testing is underway at an 'Energy from Waste' plant on the Isle of Wight.

The Forest Road facility was supposed to have become operational in May 2019 but has been beset by delays and 'unforeseen technical issues'.

During testing in January, the Isle of Wight Council said the plant exported enough energy — 386,663kWh — to power just over 7,000 houses for a week, based on average energy consumption.

The aim of the plant is to use non-recyclable rubbish to generate renewable electricity, continuously, for up to 5,000 Island houses.

Work started to build the Energy From Waste plant in April 2017 and County Hall has confirmed it did not have to pay for the hold-ups.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said the facility is now nearing completion and has undergone 'hot commissioning' - which means it was tested and run under real conditions.

Waste contractor, Ferrovial, used the test to optimise the required temperatures and the processing of waste-derived fuels.

"The final testing stage is underway and a strict process must be adhered to," an Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said.

"The council and an independent certifier are closely supervising the commissioning tests, to ensure the facility meets operational standards and provides the Island with a long-term solution for non-recyclable waste disposal, generating electricity with the potential for heat recovery."