Citation:
D. Hill, A. Garg, R. Smith, S.J.T Pollard, P.J. Longhurst, Appraisal for options of solid recovered fuel (SRF) utilisation within the UK, Venice 2006: Biomass and Waste to Energy Symposium. Cini Foundation, Venice, Italy. 29 November – 1 December 2006.
Abstract:
In view of the rising prices of non-renewable fossil fuels and regulatory
obligations affecting waste management, interest is growing for the use of waste
derived fuels in energy intensive facilities in Europe. However, major concerns
with the use of such fuels include the quality of fuels, its source of
generation, gaseous emissions and public acceptability. This paper presents the
various production methods for solid recovered fuels (SRF) from municipal solid
waste (MSW) and the potential options for its use in the UK. SRF can be produced
by mechanical biological treatment (MBT) methods using bio-drying process or by
extensive mechanical treatment. MBT involves a series of mechanical and
biological steps, depending upon the input waste properties, aimed at producing
an SRF. SRF compositions vary according to the application and can comprise of
paper, plastic, wood, textile and organics. The European Technical Committee
CEN/TC 343 “Solid Recovered Fuels” classifies SRF on the basis of net calorific
value (NCV), chlorine content and mercury content. This classification system
was prepared after extensive consultation with end-users. In the UK, the main
potential outlets for MSW derived SRF include cement kilns, power plants,
industrial boilers (such as pulp and paper mill), dedicated SRF incineration
facilities and advanced thermal treatment plants (such as gasification and
Venice 2006: Biomass and Waste to Energy Symposium. Cini Foundation, Venice,
Italy. 29 November – 1 December 2006. pyrolysis). Cement kiln operators prefer
high NCV fuel, however, in spite of its lower CV in comparison to other waste
derived fuels (like liquid solvents, tyres and MBM), it remains attractive due
to its biomass fraction and cheap availability. Power plants are much more
concerned with the biomass fraction, as it may bring revenues for them in the
form of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). Similarly, gasification and
pyrolysis techniques are also eligible for ROCs, but these are still not fully
proven in the UK. The use of SRF is also of interest because of its potential to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the biomass rich fraction is considered
‘carbon neutral’. Thus, this assists energy facilities to meet the EU Emissions
Trading Scheme targets. However, the application of SRF is not straightforward
as legislation exists at EU and National level, which users need to comply with.
In addition, technical, environmental and economic issues need to be addressed.
On the other hand if more SRF can be used then this will greatly help the UK
meet its obligations under the Landfill Directive and the mitigation of greenhouse gases.