ETI announces project to identify next generation technologies for EfW
The project, which is the first announced under the ETI's Distributed Energy Programme, will assess the energy content of waste created across the country, evaluate existing technologies and determine improvements that could be made to generate energy from waste. ETI claim that currently around 100 million tonnes of waste produced each year could be converted to energy, and that conversion of this waste has the potential to meet up to 4% of the UK's electricity, space and water heating needs The study is being carried out by a consortium led by power distributor Caterpillar and also involves EDF Energy, research institute Cranfield University, industrial processes firm CPI Innovation Services and Milton Keynes-based Shanks Waste Management.
ETI chief executive Dr David Clarke said: “The challenge is that many existing facilities that create energy from waste are limited to specific waste streams, and there is a need to improve the current approach and flexibility of available technologies to encourage wider uptake. This study will map and characterise the waste produced in the UK, and will identify technology development opportunities to generate clean energy.”
Viridor submits Cheshire MBT proposals
The MBT plant is intended to treat 230,000 tonnes-a-year of residual waste, producing a solid recovered fuel (SRF), which Viridor plans to transport by rail to the combined heat and power station being developed by chemicals company Ineos Chlor at Runcorn. Viridor is looking to build the facility on the site of a former chemical plant at a brown field site in Lostock Gralam near Northwich. It is currently one of just two remaining bidders for the 25-year, £1 billion waste management contract being developed by the two Cheshire unitary authorities (see letsrecycle.com story). Viridor said it was developing the proposal in response to the PFI contract but was unable to comment on whether it would continue with the plans if it was not named as preferred bidder.
Symon Grasby, development manager at Viridor said, “We would like to thank everyone in Cheshire who has taken part in our consultation for their comments and feedback, all of which has helped to shape our final proposal. We are confident that our plans put forward a robust and sustainable solution to help Cheshire maximise recycling and recovery and reduce the amount of waste it currently sends to landfill.”
Project Transform advertises £1bn PFI waste deal
Project Transform – the waste partnership formed by three West Midlands councils – has put its £1 billion, 25-year PFI-funded waste management contract out to tender in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The partnership, which is comprised of Coventry city, Solihull metropolitan borough and Warwickshire county councils, plans to develop a 305,000 tonnes-a-year capacity energy-from-waste facility to cater for the three councils' residual waste, replacing an existing energy-from-waste facility in Coventry. The project received £129.5 million in PFI funding in June 2009 (see letsrecycle.com story).
In the notice, which was published earlier this week (September 29), the partnership said it expects between three and eight applicants for the contract, with all applicants for the project set to be invited to attend a bidders' conference to take place on the October 19 in Warwickshire. The deadline for applications is November 9 2009.
Scottish recycling campaign wins international award
The global trade body recognised the 'Waste Aware Scotland' campaign, which has been adopted by 27 local authorities, with its ‘Communication Award' for using household brands and retailers, including the likes of Heinz, Sainsbury's and Irn Bru, to demonstrate what material can be recycled at the kerbside. The award was presented to Waste Aware Scotland by Scottish environment secretary Richard Lochhead during the official opening of Keep Scotland Beautiful's (KSB) new office in Stirling. The campaign is also set for recognition at the ISWA World Congress in Lisbon this month.
Commenting on the new branding, environment secretary, Richard Lochhead said: “This is another example of how Scotland is leading the way on waste on a European platform. Waste Aware Scotland should be proud of this accolade and I hope this inspires all local authorities and other countries to explore innovative ways to tackle this global problem.”
Defra waste chief to take part in charity motorbike ride
The head of the Waste Infrastructure Development Programme at Defra is to embark on a 2,000km charity motorbike ride across India in aid of the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, UNICEF and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
John Enright has signed up to the 14-day event and will line-up alongside 100 other riders on his Royal Enfield Bullet motorbike, which could see him riding for between 12 and 14 hours-a-day in the extreme heat. Mr Enright, who heads off in January 2010, hopes to raise a minimum of £5,000 and is personally covering the costs of his flight, bike and sleeping arrangements.
Commenting on the trip, Mr Enright said: “I don't have long, so if you can help these worthwhile causes or if you just want me out of your face for while, or indeed both please click on http://www.johnenduro.co.uk and donate whatever you can. I would be grateful if you could also pass this to your friends and organisations you may know who may be able to help.”
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