How big is this opportunity and why isn’t it being implemented everywhere?

Production of waste on a global scale

As of 2023, the world produces an estimated 2 billion tonnes of municipal waste, with projections indicating that this amount will rise to 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050. Sadly, only a small fraction of this waste, less than 20%, is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills. Plastic waste contributes significantly to this problem, with an annual production of 381 million tonnes and an expected increase to 750 million tonnes by 2050. Despite efforts to recycle, only 9% of plastic waste has ever been recycled. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that 12 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year. The agricultural sector in the UK alone produces 43 million tonnes of manure and slurry waste annually, while food waste is a staggering 1.4 billion tonnes per year. Of this food waste, 16% is generated on farms, 43% in households, 40% in restaurants and grocery stores, and 2% in food manufacturers.

The latest data from organisations such as the OECD highlights the growing trend of rising waste streams. Under current waste management practices, this trend is likely to result in increased amounts of waste being sent to landfills and dumped in the oceans. This, in turn, will lead to greater environmental degradation and exacerbate the impacts of climate change.

By harnessing power from waste technology, it is possible to transform the waste generated from various sources into usable energy on-site. This not only provides a valuable source of energy, but also helps to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of waste disposal, such as the disposal of waste in landfills or the dumping of waste in our oceans and rivers.

In our projects, we employ three key technologies to convert various types of waste into clean, renewable energy.

Pyrolysis

This process uses advanced thermal treatment to transform various forms of non-recyclable waste, including wood, plastic, and municipal waste, into useful energy sources. Unlike traditional incineration, the process operates in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in significantly reduced emissions. It generates a synthetic gas that can be utilised to produce electricity, heat, steam, or hydrogen. Additionally, it produces biochar, a carbon-sink residue that has numerous applications in the construction, road building, and agricultural sectors, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Anaerobic digestion

This second technology offers a sustainable solution to the disposal of agricultural and food waste. During the anaerobic digestion process, microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea ferment the organic matter to produce biogas, which can then be converted into electricity. Additionally, it generates organic fertiliser, providing a natural alternative to artificial fertilisers, helping to improve soil health and fertility.

Slurry covers

Slurry covers are physical covers that can be placed over slurries or slurry storage tanks, such as those found on dairy farms, to trap the biogas that is produced during the AD process. The captured biogas can then provide valuable sources of energy that can be used on-site to power vehicles like tractors, or sold to the transportation industry. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal, but supports the development of a more sustainable and low-carbon energy infrastructure.

Why has power from waste technology not seen widespread implementation?

Power derived from waste has not gained significant recognition in the renewable energy sector despite its potential. This is due to a number of reasons such as lack of awareness among businesses, lengthy technology engagement processes and negative public relations associated with emissions and delivery issues. Historically, waste to energy projects have faced criticism for emissions produced by incineration plants, which release harmful substances like CO2, heavy metals, and dioxins. However, pyrolysis, on the other hand, has significantly lower emissions and is a more environmentally friendly solution when designed appropriately. Nevertheless, the challenge remains in ensuring the availability of guaranteed waste streams to feed these projects.

Overcoming roadblocks in the power from waste industry:

1. Implement a guided, streamlined process that covers analysis, feasibility, engagement, facilitation, construction, and operation.
2. Select proven technologies with successful case studies in the field that can be evaluated.
3. Secure a sustainable waste stream to support the project in the long-term.
4. Perform precise mapping of power demand and yield to maximise cost savings and efficiency.
5. Align the power-from-waste solution with your business or community's net-zero and ESG targets.