Greatmoor Ramp Heating for Residual Waste Facility

The Goal

Greatmoor ramp heating was required at the Energy-from-Waste facility in Buckinghamshire. The system had to keep a steep concrete ramp accessible in all weather. Heavy refuse trucks use this route to reach the waste reception hall throughout the year.

Buckinghamshire County Council commissioned the facility, while FCC Environment manages daily operations. The site processes 300,000 tonnes of residual waste each year. It converts that waste into electricity and hot water.

Reliable vehicle access was essential for operational efficiency and site safety. Therefore, the ramp needed to remain open 365 days a year. Sub-zero conditions could allow snow or ice to interrupt deliveries.

Sir Robert McAlpine served as the main contractor and contacted Heatmat, part of Heatcom Group. The brief called for a durable and fully automated industrial heating system. It also needed to perform reliably during sub-zero weather.

Our Solution

Heatcom Group supplied and commissioned the system through Heatmat. The design used high-output, 7 mm heating cables installed within the screed. This approach created a robust system suited to the concrete ramp.

The team chose loose cables instead of pre-formed mats. Because cable spacing remained flexible, heat distribution could vary across the surface. More heat could therefore be directed where the ramp was steepest.

The installation delivered an output of 270 W/m². This output allowed the system to melt snow and ice during severe weather. In addition, the ramp’s gradient helped move meltwater towards the drainage channels.

The drainage channels did not require separate heating. The meltwater stayed warm enough to keep them free from ice. As a result, the design met the site’s needs without adding drainage heating.

A fully automated thermostat and timer controlled the snow and ice melting system. Ground-level sensors monitored both temperature and moisture. The controls activated heating only when they detected icy conditions. They then stopped heating after the ramp cleared.

This automated control supported efficient operation without requiring constant manual input. Projected running costs remained below £150 during a cold winter. However, the ramp could still remain accessible throughout the season.

The Result

After calibration for local conditions, the Greatmoor ramp heating system operated flawlessly. The ramp now remains free from snow and ice throughout the year. Therefore, refuse trucks can enter the facility safely without weather-related delays.

The completed installation combined flexible cable spacing, high output and automatic sensor control. It provided a practical response to the steep ramp and heavy vehicle traffic. In addition, it maintained access while keeping projected running costs low.

Through Heatmat, Heatcom Group delivered a system designed around the facility’s operational requirements. The result supports safety, reliability and year-round access at the Buckinghamshire site.

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