What is an Energy Recovery Facility (ERF)?
An Energy Recovery Facility provides a means of processing waste by using thermal treatment. In Nottinghamshire it will be part of the integrated waste management system. Waste is delivered to a bunker where it feeds into a furnace to be burnt at temperatures in excess of 850 degrees centigrade. Energy is recovered from this process in the form of steam to produce electricity and heat. The benefits of energy recovery are • Avoidance of landfill disposal and associated greenhouse gas production • Volume of waste is significantly reduced (by 70 percent) • This technology is proven to deliver sustainable waste management when delivered as part of an integrated approach • Energy generated from the process is fed into the national grid, providing heat and light. Energy generated in this way avoids the need to use precious fossil fuels such as coal and gas.
