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Solid Fuel Residues. Inventory of fixtures and perspectives

Summary

Solid residual fuels, or SRFs, represent a fraction with a high lower calorific value, with physico-chemical characteristics that make it suitable for use as a substitute for conventional fuels. Over the last few years, applications for these products appear to be developing in Europe. This study provides an overview of the situation in Europe in 2007. It describes the overall regulatory and standards context in which the sector must operate, pending the presentation of the new framework directive on waste in 2008, and the initiatives of certain pioneering countries such as Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. A scientific and technical inventory is presented, based on specific cases identified within the EU. A focus on each of the 11 countries studied (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom) outlines the local context, the resources available and the practices developed in the use of this fraction. Finally, the study attempts to position the French case in the European context and puts forward certain conditions (success factors, obstacles) that could enable the development of the SRF sector. 

Until recently, the SRF sector has developed without any real regulatory or standards framework. The diversity of names used throughout Europe reflects the absence of a common framework. To date, the term CSR is completely absent from European legislation. Only the NAPFUE nomenclature (support for the declaration of emissions into the atmosphere) identifies fuels that include SRFs. The CEN TC 343 working group (Mandate M325) indicates that these are solid wastes, not consisting solely of biomass, derived from non-hazardous waste and intended for use in incineration or co-incineration. From the point of view of existing European directives, there is nevertheless a favourable trend towards the development of the sector (waste management, energy, environment). The objectives of reducing the tonnage of waste sent to landfill, increasing waste recovery rates and protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gases from fossil fuels are all in line with the use of RDF. There is also a debate about the status to be given to this fraction, which is currently "waste", and the development facilities that a "product" status would entail. The regulations that apply to waste users are those governing incineration. Although more restrictive than for combustion, it sets out a framework for controlling atmospheric emissions. In terms of use, solid recovered fuels are included in the European standardisation work currently underway. Technical Committee 343 has drawn up experimental standards which, although not applied by current users, should be transposed into European standards in order to provide a framework for the sector and a common basis for producers and users in Europe. However, some countries, such as Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, have long since defined their own standards and have regulations in place to encourage the development of this alternative energy source. These countries are also Europe's biggest producers. Although several attempts have been made to identify RSC deposits, the data is still difficult to access, particularly in the private sector, where deposits are large and of good quality (single-material CIW). The data collected from the public sector gives an indication of the state of the RSC sector and the factors driving its development. The development of Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT) facilities as part of multi-stream waste management schemes often goes hand in hand with the development of the RDF sector. Germany, for example, is experiencing strong growth in this sector and is already building boilers to use RDF, with demand for fuel apparently outstripping production. Other countries such as Greece, Portugal and Spain have not yet developed the RDF sector, either in terms of production or use. However, cement manufacturers in most European countries use waste-derived fuels and sometimes RDF. Some industrial boilers and district heating boilers are turning to RSC in the countries that are taking the lead (Scandinavian countries, Germany). The use of RDF in boilers, which are technically more difficult to adapt to than cement kilns, has shown that an efficient flue gas treatment system is essential, and that upstream, the levels of chlorine and heavy metals in the composition of the RDF used must be reduced to a minimum. In France, the use of RDF has not yet been developed, although a few cases have been identified. With the exception of use in cement, potential producers are still cautious in the absence of a guaranteed outlet. The multi-facility facilities that produce SRF are currently oriented towards organic recovery, in accordance with French regulations that emphasise composting and anaerobic digestion, without identifying the existence and fate of the high ICP fraction that also makes up the deposit. Current debates on the role of energy recovery from renewable sources, in particular heat recovery, could reposition this fraction of the waste stream.

Keywords: CSR, Combustibles Solides de Récupération, incinération, combustion, valorisation énergétique, schéma multi-filière, CSR, incineration, combustion, energy valorzation, multi-channel scheme, RDF, Refused Derived Fuel

Publication date: January 2008

Achievement: CADET INTERNATIONAL

Reference: 06-0225/1A


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