When it comes to energy-from-waste, our councils have many technologies to choose from.  These are often based on combustion, pyrolysis or gasification or a combination of these processes.

There are many strategies that we can consider to recover energy from our waste.  The UK has plenty of experience in the large-scale traditional incineration approach using combustion technology (or option 1 in the table below).  There are however, other technologies that may be better, but are not considered, because they may be more expensive or are seen not to be “proven” enough.

Concentration on one approach at the cost of others is a shame, since it means that the potential benefits of other strategy options may be missed.  For example, what if some options that aren’t considered can help climate change more, or reduce waste transport pollution, or are cleaner technologies.  It’s a lost opportunity to ensure greater sustainability for the future.

Once decided, a WtE strategy may be embarked upon for over 25 years and many millions of the people’s taxes will be spent.  It is important that the advantages and disadvantages of every WtE option for our neighbourhoods are considered over this time period.  Because we do not know what may happen in the future, it is important to choose an approach which is flexible.  Recycling rates might increase, or gas and electricity prices may rise or people may produce less waste in the first place.  Who knows?  But flexibility can manage the "uncertainty" of the future. 

To see how these options can be compared and the best one identified, click here.  Now lets consider the implications of the size and number of WtE plants in our strategy... click NEXT