The research study by Cranfield graduate, Kofi Apea Adu-Gyamfi, considers the development of EfW technologies and their potential contribution to the UK’s renewable energy targets. The study identifies the use of biomethane as road transport fuel and small-scale EfW deployment at community level as applications with huge potential benefits for the UK. These two options are easily implementable and could provide substantial savings in greenhouse gas emissions. His study concludes that, depending on the pace of investment and availability of suitable feedstock, EfW technologies can contribute up to 50% of UK renewables target by 2020.
Landfill limit
The study notes the UK’s traditional use of landfill as the main method of waste disposal and management. However, landfilling is unsustainable due to its harmful effects on the environment and public health. Under the European Union Landfill Directive, member nations are now required to divert biodegradable municipal waste from landfills.
The UK has also committed to the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which binds it to sourcing at least 15% of its energy mix from renewables by 2020. To meet these targets, the UK has to support alternative waste management options whilst achieving considerable deployment of renewables.
The paper was completed by Kofi Apea Adu-Gyamfi while at Cranfield having had his proposal for a paper selected as the first winner of the Geotech Bursary / CIWM Award. Sponsored by Geotech and run as part of the CIWM’s Professional Awards programme, the paper was presented at a recent CIWM awards ceremony. The next CIWM Professional Awards ceremony is on 20 October 2010 at Lord’s Cricket Ground. There, the second winning paper on 'The Future Roles of Landfill Gas and Biogas' to win the Geotech Bursary will be presented. The Geotech Bursary / CIWM Award is open to all, internationally.
For additional information:
Kofi Apea Adu-Gyamfi's study is available on the Geotech website
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