Responding to the Energy White Paper issued today (Meeting the Energy Challenge) and the UK Biomass Strategy 2007, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is pleased to see that the significant contribution that energy recovery from our waste can make to both our national waste and energy strategies is being recognised.

“The Government missed the opportunity to harness this potential between the 2006 Energy Review and the Draft Waste Strategy for England, and it was vital that this mistake was not repeated. Even with rising recycling rates and the growing focus on waste prevention, millions of tonnes of waste residues continue to be landfilled,” says CIWM chief executive Steve Lee. “We have the technologies to ensure that we can recover the energy value of our waste residues once no further recycling is feasible. This will help to improve our overall resource efficiency, help the UK to meet its renewable energy targets and quotas, and help secure future energy supply.” The White Paper proposes additional support to development of different technologies to recover energy through a variable scheme of electricity prices.

“With the launch this week of the Planning White Paper (Planning for a Sustainable Future), and the revised National Waste Strategy for England, it is pleasing to find that key policies that will drive sustainable development and resource efficiency are being linked to deliver an integrated approach.”

Clearly this is only a White paper and more needs to be done to turn these ideas into action. It is however a good signal that energy recovery from our wastes has an important role to play.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers.  CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

2. A joint report by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Renewable Power Association in 2005 (available at www.ice.org.uk) suggested that “if the UK chooses to diversify its energy resources, then residual waste could contribute over 15% of the UK’s energy demand”, and could make a significant contribution to meeting the EU Renewables Directive target of producing 10% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

Contacts:
Steve Lee
Tel: 01604 620426 
E-mail: steve.lee@ciwm.co.uk