Decarbonisation Technology - November 2024 Issue

Wednesbury in the West Midlands (see Figure 6 ). However, we need to be realistic about the challenges of scaling up emerging technologies in the waste-to-value space especially. A ‘start small to build big’ approach is crucial for risk mitigation, resource efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and flexibility, ultimately enhancing our chances of long-term success. Challenging the status quo Incinerators currently handle large amounts of waste with throughputs of 300-500k (Tpa, AR), whereas modular technology converting waste to syngas/advanced molecules typically handles 200- 300k. As many incinerators approach their end of life after 25 years and local authorities look at retendering their waste services, there needs to be a new approach by waste companies. We cannot just maintain the status quo. The sector needs to be decentralised, with waste management and, ultimately, multiple waste-to- energy and modular solutions operating on a local level using waste generated locally. This tailored approach would not only respond to the differing types of waste produced around the country and, indeed, worldwide, but it could also reinvent waste to energy by meeting the differing fuel needs of local communities, industry, and transport. It can all sound so simple: localised waste creation and conversion into fuel used locally by industry and communities, powering a truly circular economy overcoming the issues of feedstock supply and fuel demands. However, despite the proven effectiveness of ACT in reducing waste and CO₂ emissions, policy and regulatory barriers, reporting, and verification requirements pose a threat to the progress made so far. KEW’s ACT emits circa 70% less CO₂ per MJ of energy output vs incineration and fossil fuel displacement without CCUS. The expansion of the UK ETS presents a critical opportunity for decarbonisation, but its implementation needs to be right to ensure effectiveness. Innovative solutions must be reflected in policy frameworks to ensure they remain economically viable and continue to develop at scale. The UK ETS framework must encourage, rather than penalise, innovative solutions that contribute to decarbonisation with appropriate support mechanisms on ACT/ATT projects targeting hard-to-abate sectors.

Figure 6 KEW’s demonstration plant

For innovative solutions to succeed, waste suppliers and technology providers must collaborate effectively across the value chain. It is essential for technology providers to work closely with waste companies to ensure a seamless integration of waste management processes and technology implementation. This collaboration helps address challenges related to feedstock quality and operational efficiency, ultimately driving the success of ACTs. The preparation of feedstock is another challenge. Pretreatment in its many different forms needs to be recognised as a significant barrier to this emerging sector. Feedstocks for ACTs and ATTs require preparation. The wider ACT sector has yet to adequately address the true challenge of consistently processing waste at a competitive gate fee position within commercial-scale plants. Projects in this space often struggle to balance the cost of processing with the quality and specification of the waste feedstock. Waste as a valuable resource There has been an increased understanding of waste-to-X projects in recent years, leading to a growing recognition of waste’s inherent value. Emerging ACT technology is opening up new revenue streams as waste is potentially more valuable as a feedstock for energy solutions in harder-to-decarbonise energy vectors. These include off-grid heating, aviation, and transport, as well as industries such as chemicals, glass, cement, metals, and ceramics. This again comes with challenges related to the commercial viability of projects and the availability of feedstocks. Despite the hurdles, emerging technology demonstration already exists in the UK and is being proven in a commercial demonstrator facility (Sustainable Energy Centre) in