Co-firing waste-derived torrefied biogenic fibre with coal

The UK has had to develop a national strategy to meet EU targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable

municipal solid waste (BioSW) going in to landfill. By next year, the UK must have reduced levels of BioSW going

to landfill by 35% compared to 1995 levels. This will mean a maximum of 6.9 million tonnes BioSW going to

landfill. The UK has performed well but further reductions are still required, and BioSW currently accounts for

55-75% of the municipal solid waste going to landfill. This resource of lignocellulosic material (such as paper,

cardboard, wood, and natural fibre) has a value. This project aims to develop a technology that can separate

and upgrade the BioSW into a commodity fuel that can be sold to solid fuel users, such as coal-fired power

stations and domestic users. Both the commercial feasibility and the greenhouse gas emissions savings will be

evaluated. Successful completion will deliver an alternative technology to landfill or "energy-from-waste"

which will help the UK to deliver its national strategy on waste, meet EU targets, and reduce the environmental

impact of waste use and power production.