Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | OCTOBER 2021 | 37 demonstrated that ERFs can be adapted to handle new, and pressing, waste streams effectively. "The safe disposal of Covid-related wastes in ERFs has shown that significant emissions reductions can be achieved by disposing of the more than 61,000 tonnes of orange-bagged clinical and infectious waste that arises each year," he says. "By using ERFs, this type of clinical waste can be safely and compliantly destroyed, and achieve up to 70 per cent reductions in carbon emissions compared to commonly applied treatments. "The UK has a legal obligation to meet a net zero carbon position by 2050, which will benefit the UK in terms of environment," he continues. "As we look to cut carbon, and develop energy resilience, one area where we believe significant emissions reductions can be achieved is in clinical waste treatment, specifically for orange-bagged waste. "As we look to build a green recovery fol- lowing the pandemic, using ERF technology could help make a real contribution to lower- ing the carbon footprint of healthcare." Future development Macphail's "ideal forward vision" is that the network of ERFs can be expanded and linked to district heating networks that can supply communities, commercial and public build- ings, and industry. "Future development will increase the importance of ERFs and we are already advancing trials of the latest carbon capture technology to achieve net zero carbon energy delivery, and taking another step towards a zero carbon future," he explains. ERF technology, backed by both the gov- ernment's Resources and Waste Strategy and the independent Climate Change Committee, is an important source of renewable, sus- tainable energy and a vital link in the waste management chain, Macphail believes. "Veolia's ERFs complement integrated local waste strategies, helping to meet recov- ery and carbon emission targets," he says. "Waste reduction, recycling and materi- als recovery operations are the first priority for our integrated contracts. Once we have optimised these operations, it makes sense to recover energy from the remaining waste where possible." Addressing misconceptions Any further innovation regarding Veo- lia's ERFs is likely to cover carbon capture and storage, continued optimisation that improves efficiency, and more utilisation of the thermal energy in district heating networks. "To reduce transport and export of refuse-derived fuel, more local systems are needed, both to effectively recycle materials and to use the residual waste for energy gen- eration in the area where the waste arises," Macphail says. "Energy costs may also play a part," he adds. "If ERF electricity and heat is supplied directly — via private wire or heating network — at a lower cost per unit than other sources this will make it more attractive to users." However, Macphail explains that wider public understanding of the role of ERFs is central to guiding planning decisions for new sites. He describes the notion that plants are simply incinerators and reduce the amount of recycling as a "common misconception". "The key point is that recycling materials is a valuable source of revenue so it would not make sense to use these materials for energy recovery," he says. "Only non-recy- clables, traditionally destined for landfill, and materials such as Covid medical wastes are used in the ERF process. "If communities are able to understand the connection between waste, resources, recycling and carbon that will help them to create less waste, and will aid local adoption of ERFs." Stuart Stone, Innovate editor Veolia's ten ERF plants in the UK generate 1.4TWh of electricity a year

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