Energy Recovery
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What does Energy Recovery mean?
Energy Recovery means that the wastes which are not sent for recycling or re-use can still be of value in the form of converting the waste into heat and electricity.
What are the benefits of Energy Recovery?
Energy Recovery makes an important contribution towards reducing the greenhouse gases which cause global warming.
There is a reduction in the use of fossil fuels by producing energy for the National Grid.
There is a reduction in the use of fossil fuels by producing heat for buildings in the city centre (known as District Heating) and reducing Sheffield’s reliance on the fossil fuels for heating.
There is a reduction in the dependence on landfill which in particular reduces the amount of methane produced by the landfill sites.
Metals are extracted at the end of the process and are sent for recycling thus adding to the amount of recycling which the City carries out.
Why does Sheffield need an Energy Recovery Facility?
Sheffield’s householders produce over 235,000 tonnes of waste each year and we also deal with other municipal wastes from Council activities. Of the household waste 25% is now recycled (2006-07), however the remainder of this waste needs to be disposed of in an environmentally sustainable way.
Space in landfill is limited and it is not the best way to deal with waste. This waste does have a value in respect of the heat it generates when burnt. This is why Sheffield has chosen to use Energy Recovery. We can take advantage of the heat produced and also reduce drastically our reliance on landfill (Only 15% in 2006-07). Energy from Waste offers a complementary disposal route for the waste and is part of an integrated waste management strategy.
The Sheffield Energy Recovery Facility
- has been built to comply with the new European emissions rules
- will be capable of handling 225,000 tonnes of the City’s waste each year
- will provide up to 39MW of heat for the District Heating Network throughout the City
- will provide up to 17MW of electricity to the National Grid and
- will provide up to 3MW of electricity for on-site use.
If you are interested in how the process actually works the Veolia website gives details of the operation.
For more information please Contact Us
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