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SIRKULÆRØKONOMI-Sirkulær økonomi

Waste-to-Energy and Municipal Solid Waste management systems in Circular Economy

Alternative title: Energigjenvinning av avfall & avfallsbehandlingssystemer i sirkulær økonomi

Awarded: NOK 19.2 mill.

Norway is 2.4% circular (2020) so there is substantial room for improvement. Increasing circularity will require a complete re-organisation of our society bringing challenges but also opportunities. When implementing Circular Economy (CE) principles, radical changes can be expected both concerning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) properties and amounts but also MSW treatment value chains. The CE action plan related to MSW can be summarized with key actions and targets such as: ? Attain 65% material recycling rate by 2035 (with specific sub-targets) ? Implement separate collection and handling of specific fractions ? Reduce food wastage The future waste treatment systems will be affected by the regulatory framework but also societal evolution and technological developments. The relative importance of these factors is currently unknown and hence need to be quantified to optimise the route to CE. This project will help the waste management sector by (1) mapping MSW resources now and in the future, (2) evaluating technical solutions, existing and alternative, according to CE-relevant indicators, (3) incorporate these elements in a value-chain approach investigating environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The main objective is to determine how future MSW management systems can look like in the CE. This project will help industrial and public actors make strategic choices and investments decisions for CE-integrated waste management systems. During the reporting period (01.01.21-30.11.21), the project has been formally established (May) and research activities have begun. The project group includes 6 user partners (REG Oslo, Tafjord Kraftvarme, Franzefoss Gjenvinning, Civac, NOAH and Trøndelag fylkeskommune) and 3 R&D partners (SINTEF Energi, SINTEF Industri & NTNU). CircWtE arranged a kick-off meeting (and first steering committee meeting) in June. A second technical meeting took place in September; the goal was to establish key elements for defining the project's overall framework (in the form of scenarios). These initial discussions involved all partners. Key research activities could thereafter start, especially concerning data collection and treatment, future waste quantities and properties as well as a review of waste treatment technologies, both established and new. In addition, the PhD candidate (with focus on LCA) started his work in November. The next project workshop and steering committee meeting will take place on 3 December and the first results will be presented to the project group.

Norway is 2.4% circular (2020) so there is substantial room for improvement. Increasing circularity will require a complete re-organisation of our society bringing challenges but also opportunities. When implementing Circular Economy (CE) principles, radical changes can be expected both concerning MSW properties and amounts but also MSW treatment value chains. CE unfolding will have consequences on existing WtE plants and the energy market but will also offer new business opportunities for the sector. The CE action plan related to MSW can be summarized with these key actions and targets: ? Attain 65% material recycling rate by 2035 (with specific sub-targets) ? Implement separate collection and handling of specific fractions ? Reduce food wastage MSW is at the centre of a complex web of interests. However, some targets are in conflict, e.g. less WtE will mean less renewable energy. While the Norwegian government may facilitate the implementation of CE by defining a national strategy soon, R&D should help the sector to benefit from rather than await this (r)evolution. The future will be affected by regulatory frameworks but also societal evolution and technological developments. The relative importance of these factors is currently unknown and hence need to be quantified to optimise the route to CE. This project will help the WtE/waste management sector by (1) mapping MSW resources now and in future plausible CE scenarios, (2) evaluating technical solutions, existing and alternative, according to CE-relevant indicators, (3) incorporate these elements in a value-chain approach investigating environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The main objective is to determine how future MSW management systems will look like in the CE and what impact CE will have on MSW-based energy production. This project will help industrial and public actors make strategic choices and investments decisions for well-designed, CE-integrated waste management systems.

Publications from Cristin

Funding scheme:

SIRKULÆRØKONOMI-Sirkulær økonomi