A recent BBC analysis found that incinerating household rubbish is now the ‘dirtiest’ form of energy generation available to the UK; Energy from Waste incinerators, according to the BBC, generating 720 gCO2e per kWh of energy. 

But are the BBC’s claims about incineration both correct and fair? 

Are the numbers a true representation? 

Firstly, when looking at the figures published by the BBC, coal sits at the top of the CO2 chart at 730 gCO2e per kWh of energy, yet the UK no longer uses coal to generate energy, providing a false representation of the full UK energy landscape. 

Second on the chart is incineration at 720, gas at 400, and then some of the most popular renewable energy solutions: solar (40), followed by nuclear (12) and wind (11). 

But are these figures true and fair representations of what’s actually going on in the renewable and clean energy space(s)? 

Looking at the latest EfW figures, correct as of 2022, there are 57 Waste to Energy plants in operation across the UK, with approximately 18 in construction or commissioning. These 57 plants incinerated 12.1 million tonnes of waste during the financial year 2022/23 and that was 49.1% of all local authority waste. 

With this, during the same period (2022), EfW plants generated 9,428GWh of electricity– approximately 3.2% of total net UK power generation.

As such, the figures presented by the BBC’s analysis don’t necessarily show a fair and well-rounded picture of the contribution EfW plants make, not only to energy generation here in the UK but also to recycling and reusing waste in a meaningful way. 

EfW facilities reduce reliance on landfill

What’s more, because EfW incinerators reuse and recycle waste, they actively reduce reliance on landfill; something renewable energy experts have hit back with against the analysis published. 

In 2022 for example, UK landfills accounted for around 72% of the country's waste management greenhouse gas emissions, which totaled 18.8 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e). 

In conjunction with this, the landfill tax here in the UK is rapidly rising as landfill is being ‘priced out’ of the waste market and alternative waste management solutions incentivised; further making landfill an impractical solution and EfW plants the practical alternative, especially on an individual level. 

As such, surely any facilities, initiatives and projects that actively work to provide an alternative to landfill are making a positive contribution to the renewable and clean energy landscape? 

CCUS technologies can significantly reduce emissions

Alongside this, Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage technologies have been heavily supported by the UK government for a number of years - the most recent autumn budget, for instance, pledging support to CCUS projects in order to drive these technologies forward here in the UK. 

And, if and where CCUS is a possibility as part of EfW projects, this technology should then significantly reduce the CO2 emitted from EfW plants, whilst also allowing the meaningful reusing and recycling of carbon.

Yet, however widely spoken about by the media and however the UK government claims to be supporting CCUS technologies and projects, the reality is that the government is only currently supporting 2 key Carbon Capture projects, and there is currently no viable market for the carbon captured; something we’ve discussed often. 

So, whilst the technology exists to significantly reduce carbon emissions from EfW incinerators and the government is claiming to support CCUS projects, much more could indeed be done to make CCUS possible in conjunction with current and future projects. 

The discourse around EfW is generally negative

However, the last few years have seen the discourse surrounding EfW plants and waste incineration take a particularly negative turn, where wind and solar power are typically becoming more and more popular. 

This could be largely due to public opinion and misinformation; with many people ‘put off’ of EfW plants due to their imposing stack which, admittedly unsightly, tends to be a matter of contention within local communities. 

Not to mention recent headlines stating that EfW plants will be included in the UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme from 2028 and, during the run up to the 2024 general election, the Conservative’s highly publicised intention to ban EfW plants should they remain in power.

What’s more, the Emissions Trading Scheme is adding to the cost of the EfW Sector and new projects. 

Indeed, for years the waste management sector has been publicly asking for others to ‘stop demonising’ EfW plants, yet the negative discourse surrounding Energy from Waste is as strong today as it ever has been, even though the technology, the funding and the regulations exist to see EfW plants succeed. 

Energy from Waste plants: the reality

Despite the negative press surrounding waste incineration and Energy from Waste plants, the reality is that Energy from Waste plants are a positive addition to the waste management industry and renewable energy landscape; reducing reliance on landfill, meaningfully recycling household waste and generating energy - making a positive contribution to the UK’s ongoing search for energy security.

An appetite for EfW plants

And, because of the above, here at PWCL, we’ve seen an increase in Energy from Waste projects on our books; with a growing number of clients coming to us seeking project management and associated services for the preconstruction and construction phases of EfW plants at all stages of development - whether at the feasibility and planning stage or as they move into construction. 

The introduction of TMO4+ regulations in January 2025 could also pave the way for an increase in project success and appetite for investment in energy projects as projects that are ‘grid ready’ will receive priority, leading to more realistic grid connection dates.

So, despite what the media may be saying about EfW plants and waste incineration, as project managers specialising in the construction of energy projects, we believe that the future is bright and the case for EfWs stands strong…