EWA seeks 15-20 new energy from waste plants

The EWA released the figures alongside publication of “Dispelling the Myths”, an information document aimed at getting over the message that energy from waste sits comfortably alongside recycling and other forms of waste management.

The document comes after 18 months where comments about the number of plants needed in the UK have ranged from low numbers to a once mentioned Michael Meacher figure of 170. The government itself has now cut back its projections and Michael Meacher has been keen to say the decisions about plant construction should stay with local people and local councils.

A statement from the association says that: “Despite exaggerations to the contrary, the EWA estimates that a total of 15-20 plants in the ten years, possibly rising to 30 with technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification, would be a realistic figure for Energy from Waste.”

The call for a further 15-20 plants is based on an average size of 200,000 tonnes. A similar plant at present is the one run by Cleveland Waste Management near Middlesbrough which handles 222,000 tonnes per annum. Currently there are 13 energy from waste plants in the UK.

The association calculates that the even if a 50% diversion of waste into recycling and composting initiatives is achieved by 2020, taking into account the requirements of the Landfill Directive there will still be about 15% of waste which will need to be treated to facilitate the generation of electricity and heat in combined heat and power EfW plants.
However, one industry expert commented that the 15% was insufficient and that he could not accept the association’s calculations.

The briefing note is available from: The EWA, 26 Spring Street, London W2 1JA. Tel: 020 7402 7110, fax: 020 7402 7115, email: EWA