Veolia, the global leader of energy for waste technology (EfW) shares advice with the Australian resource recovery sector to curb the imminent waste crisis.
Veolia’s advice will assist Australia as it faces an urgent need to establish its own EfW plants, with landfills expected to reach capacity within the next decade.
Veolia ANZ CEO Richard Kirkman has successfully developed, built and operated 10 plants around the UK and is now turning his sights locally.
As the sector wrestles with challenges over unsuccessful facilities, avoidable delays for incomplete projects and prolonged waiting times for planning approval, Kirkman is rolling out the development of new plants in Australia with a team of international experts, to mimic success across the UK.
“This technology is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s a crucial component of Australia’s resource management strategy, alongside reduction, repair and recycling,” Kirkman says. “Veolia’s experience can help industry get on with it, which is why we have decided to share the knowledge we have derived from real-world EfW successes.”
What is EfW?
EfW is a waste management process that recovers energy from waste that would otherwise be landfilled. The process involves drying and combusting waste in a controlled environment with advanced emissions treatment, using the residual heat to generate clean electricity.
Why is this important?
Kirkman says it will be a vital part of Australia’s sustainable waste management future, playing a key role in reducing landfill dependence and mitigating climate change.
“Energy recovery is essential for a sustainable system while we improve our reduction, reuse, and recycling efforts until all products and materials in Australia are designed with end-of-life solutions,” he says.
EfW is recognised by the Australian government as a more sustainable option when compared to landfilling and remains a cleaner source than fossil fuels.
Veolia’s key insights into EfW development
Five non-negotiable steps that lead to successful EfW development:
- Safety first: Safety must be the cornerstone of EfW design. These projects rely on advanced technology that, when correctly designed and built, is completely safe. When projects experience significant delays or supply chain issues that often indicates underlying safety concerns. Recommendation: Partner with experienced professionals who possess a track record in safe design and operation.
- Choose experienced delivery partners: EfW projects require approximately three years for construction. Selecting the right partner is paramount. Australia has access to several reputable builders with extensive EfW experience, including BESIX Watpac, Grupo Cobra, Kanadevia INOVA (KVI), Webuild Clough, Keppel Seghers and Babcock & Wilcox. Recommendation: Choose a constructor with a long-term vision and a deep understanding of these complex facilities.
- Invest wisely: As one of the last Western nations to adopt EfW technology, Australia can leverage the best practices and operating standards of European countries. It’s a credible and proven investment opportunity, designed for the life of the project. Recommendation: Seek knowledgeable investors and be wary of those prioritising short-term gains or excessive debt.
- Ensure waste supply and market knowledge: EfW’s purpose is to offer a practical waste management solution that considers the longevity of operation, to maximise the positive impact on society. Operator buy-in is crucial to this success and any developer showing resistance during negotiations is a red flag for potential issues. Recommendation: Focus on building long-term relationships with customers to avoid exploitative pricing practices.
- Engage the community: Ensure you deploy best practice stakeholder engagement throughout the planning, approval, and development stages. Recommendation: Engage empathetically to address the concerns of a community at every opportunity.
By adopting these steps, Australia’s resource recovery sector can shift away from landfilling and alleviate the growing waste crisis concerns.
Sustainable waste management enters the AFL ground.
