Clear evidence of the accelerating convergence of energy and waste policy was provided with the concurrent publication of the Energy White Paper and the Waste Strategy for England1 (WS 2007) in May 2007, which together provided a very closely aligned analysis in relation to waste and non-waste derived biomass fuels and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) outcomes2. Since then there have been a number of inter-related initiatives to encourage investment in renewable energy and waste infrastructure that meet energy efficiency and carbon reduction objectives. Such measures include the banding of the Renewables Obligation (RO), extending enhanced capital allowances (ECAs) to include Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) related equipment along with a heightened expectation for energy generated from waste management activity to achieve the most climate change friendly outcome through the use of CHP.
The purpose of this Information Note is to raise awareness of the range of inter-locking measures available to support investment in energy from waste (EfW) facilities with CHP, using unprocessed or processed waste such as SRF or waste wood. It is aimed at practitioners in both the private and public sectors and follows a Q&A format that gives the reader a short explanation of a topic and a reference to a policy document or Guidance Note, where appropriate. This Information Note is not a substitute for the relevant reference text or legislation.
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1 http://www.defra.gov.uk/Environment/waste/strategy/
2 http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file39569.pdf - see paragraph 5.3.44