Energy is the basis of industrial life. In view of the finite nature of fossil fuels, energy supply will resort to a broad energy mix in future. Increasing importance is being gained by the generation of energy by means of waste incineration.
Although waste is pre-sorted and subjected to mechanical biological treatment, a high calorific waste fraction still remains. This is why the German government intends to enforce complete utilisation of the energetic potential of waste by 2020.
Waste incineration plants have to fulfil a host of demanding technical requirements that have to be optimised continuously. This is reflected by the most stringent conditions worldwide as far as emission limit values are concerned, as well as the entire plant technology, which has to be subjected to annual comprehensive inspections.
Symbiotic Relationship: Industrial Company and Waste Incineration Plant
Constant technological optimisation gives rise to increasing effectiveness of these small power stations, as well as improved energy efficiency. Construction of a waste incineration plant is a costly, yet worthwhile investment.
Many industrial companies have already become aware of this fact. A variety of synergetic effects can be made use of by setting up a waste incineration plant in the immediate vicinity of an industrial location. Utilisation of the energy produced there is economically attractive for an energy-intensive industrial company; and this will become increasingly important in the future. E.ON Energy from Waste is already working on such projects at the moment.
E.ON Energy from Waste Projects
And another important point: a local service sector develops around the waste incineration plant sites. Although the plants are staff-intensive on the one hand, many synergetic effects with respect to maintenance, cleaning, service and many more, arise. Waste incineration plants therefore increasingly tend to turn into functioning industrial locations.