Position papers

ERFO’s views on the benefits of Controlled production
and use of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF)

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Executive Summary

ERFO presents the main advantages of using SRF (Solid Recovered Fuels prepared from waste) in terms of energy saving, waste recovery and reduction of CO2 emissions. In order for SRF to get a better public acceptance, ERFO publishes several simple recommendations.

ERFO (European Recovered Fuel Organisation), a non profit association, was founded in 2001 in Brussels by European companies which intend to promote the production and use of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) in Europe. SRF are solid fuels prepared from non hazardous waste to be utilised for energy recovery in incineration or co-incineration plants and meeting the classification and specification requirements laid down in the CEN/TS 15359 European standard. The association gathers members*  from Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherland and Spain.

Benefits of preparation and use of SRF

ERFO wishes to point out the combined benefits directly associated to the preparation and use of SRF, both from the point of view of a sound way of managing waste and for the efficient procurement of recovered energy:

- SRF mainly substitute primary fossil fuels, like coal, pet-coke or natural gas used by co-incineration facilities: this substitution by SRF allows a reduction of the importing into Europe of such fossil fuels.
 
- A lot of waste fractions which cannot be easily reused or recycled, particularly if they are composed of materials that are difficult to properly sort or separate, may hold a high caloric value. Transforming such waste fractions into SRF may constitute a valuable solution to recover a good proportion of their energy content.

- SRF often contain a significant portion of biogenic components, like paper, cardboard or wood; when combusted, this biogenic waste fraction can be considered as CO2 neutral, and can be counted as a renewable source of energy. SRF can thus represent an important contribution in meeting the increased objectives recently set by the European Commission in terms of renewable energy use. 

Conditions for public trust for SRF

ERFO thinks that a few simple but necessary conditions must be met for SRF to keep on building public acceptance, trust and confidence:

- Standardization is essential to distinguish SRF from all other waste or residue derived fuels (historically called RDF). The common understanding and practice of what SRF really is, as a result of standardization, will help SRF become a commodity that will be easily accepted and traded within the European Union.

- In order to guarantee a high degree of environmental protection, the type of installation where SRF is combusted is crucial. Therefore the August 2002 EU mandate requirement that SRF “be utilized in incineration or co-incineration plants regulated under Community environmental legislation” must not be circumvented.

ERFO’s commitment and wishes for the promotion of SRF

• ERFO has been a major contributor to the SRF standardization process from its beginning in 2002 in the CEN technical committee TC343. The association also contributed in the research and development programs linked to this standardization process **
• ERFO has also been the main contributor to the SRF chapter of the Waste Treatment BREF (“Best Available Techniques reference document”).
• In order for SRF to be clearly distinguished from other waste derived fuels (i.e. RDF), ERFO strongly encourages SRF manufacturers to engage in a certification process implemented by an independent certification body. In all cases SRF manufacturers should commit to establish a declaration of conformity to the CEN standard.
• In order to facilitate the use of SRF throughout the EU and its transfer within the Member States, ERFO requires that SRF be qualified as a specific non hazardous entry on the European Waste Catalog. The green list procedure should therefore apply to the transfer of SRF, provided there is certainty as to the final destination of the fuel in a compliant combustion site in the EU.
• Lastly ERFO encourages all the national regulators within the EU to make wide use of the CEN standard for all permitting and control measures related to SRF.

 

^{*
ERFO Members on 1 August 2007 : Albra, AVR, CBR, Ecodeco, Essent Milieu, Geocycle, Hera Holding, Pirelli Ambiente, Pirkanmaan Jätehuolto, Remondis, Shanks Nederland, Sita Belgium, Van Gansewinkel, Veolia Propreté}

 

^{** 
TAUW project : pre-normative research on sampling, sample preparation and determination of biomass content.
QUOVADIS  project: validation of Technical Specifications, Quality Management System and perspectives in EU countries.}