Waste exports seen as negative to UK’s energy goals

“The export of waste is having a negative impact on the waste-to-energy sector in the UK and could undermine the build out of essential waste-to-energy infrastructures in this country,” Rolf Stein, CEO of Advanced Plasma Power, Swindon, told Edie today (June 19). 

Speaking ahead of the ‘Waste to Energy City Summit’, due to be held in London on Thursday, he warned that a valuable renewable resource was currently ‘benefitting our neighbours and helping them keep warm’ rather than helping the UK. 

Development of technology and infrastructure required the right economic conditions, he continued, adding there was currently a need for stable and predictable mechanisms to incentivise investment in waste-to-energy technologies. 

“In the UK,” said Mr Stein, “we’re hoping for a positive outcome to the ROC banding review with the implementation of the bandings proposed in October 2011, which will deliver an appropriate level of support to advanced conversion technologies.” 

While also saying that current constraints in the banking sector were presenting ‘certain challenges’ to the sector, he maintained there were excellent opportunities for the development of waste-to-energy plants both in the UK and globally. 

Mr Stein, who will be reporting on his company’s Gasplasma process at Thursday’s Summit, added that he hoped the event would give wider exposure to the many advanced waste-to-energy and fuels technologies currently available. 

“The UK is one of the leaders in the development of these technologies and this is a chance to showcase our expertise,” he said.