Ineos and a blueprint for waste into heat

Given the right regulatory framework, the next decade could see a huge expansion in energy-from-waste installations, such as that currently being constructed by Ineos at its massive Runcorn site.

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) said it is supportive of energy-from-waste plants and would like to see more. Unfortunately, particularly for large plants, the current regulatory framework is hampering progress.

According to the association’s chief executive Gaynor Hartnell, developers are unable to accept investment offers being made by the banks because of possible alterations to the banding of renewable obligation certificates.

The banding is being reviewed in 2013 and any project being started in the immediate future would be unlikely to be commissioned until after the review is published.

Hence the uncertainty. In an attempt to overcome this situation, which Hartnell describes as “incredibly frustrating”, the REA is pressing government for a two-year grace period for the commissioning of new projects before they need to operate under any new banding. This would remove some doubts over financing and allow projects to get underway before then.

Chancellor George Osborne was made aware of the problems being faced by renewable-energy developers before his spending review on 20 October. One positive point was a government commitment to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) with £860 million of funding.

“The announcement is a huge relief and a very big breakthrough,” said Hartnell. “Finally renewable heat moves to the heart of UK energy policy, exactly where it belongs.” Hartnell believes the RHI will be applicable to energy-from-waste projects, although final confirmation was being sought as PE went to press.

One blueprint for the future, especially for large process plants, can be seen at Ineos ChlorVinyls’ plant in Runcorn, Cheshire, one of the largest sites in Europe for production of chlor-alkali products.

To avoid complete reliance on the purchase of gas for production of electricity and steam, Ineos has entered into a partnership with Viridor Laing (Greater Manchester) for a £400 million energy-from-waste combined heat and power (CHP) plant.

The CHP plant will generate around 100MW of electricity and heat, equivalent to some 20% of the Runcorn site’s total energy demand.

Viridor Laing will manage the 1.3 million tonnes of waste generated in Greater Manchester each year through integrated waste management systems, such as recycling, composting, mechanical biological treatment and anaerobic digestion.