Refuse-Derived Fuel: Cost-effective Energy for Incinerators

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is rapidly becoming a preferred alternative fuel source in the UK, playing a key role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It transforms municipal solid waste, commercial waste, and industrial waste into a high calorific value fuel used in cement kilns, power plants, and other industrial waste services. But what is refuse-derived fuel, and how does the refuse-derived fuel process turn everyday waste material into an effective energy source? Let’s explore how RDF refuse-derived fuel is reshaping waste management and supporting renewable energy goals.

What is Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)?

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is a processed fuel made from waste material like domestic waste, commercial waste, non-recyclable plastics, and food waste. Instead of sending this waste to landfill sites, it’s treated, shredded, and prepared to be burned in refuse-derived fuel plants or cement kilns.

The Refuse-Derived Fuel Process

The refuse-derived fuel process begins with waste management facilities sorting through municipal solid waste and commercial waste disposal.

1. Initial Sorting: Recyclable materials like metals and glass are removed.
2. Shredding: Remaining waste material is shredded into smaller pieces.
3. Drying: Excess moisture is removed to ensure a stable combustion process.
4. Refining: The fuel is processed into a more refined fuel ready for burning.

The result is a high calorific value fuel that can generate heat and produce electricity efficiently.

Refuse-Derived Fuel vs Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF)

While both refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and solid recovered fuel (SRF) come from the same source materials, SRF undergoes additional refining to become a more refined fuel suitable for specialised industrial applications.

How Refuse-Derived Fuel Generates Energy in Incinerators

To generate electricity from RDF, the refuse-derived fuel process follows a structured path:

1. Fuel Delivery: Refuse-derived fuel RDF arrives at the incineration waste plants in bales or loose form.

2. Combustion Chamber: The RDF is burned in a combustion chamber at extremely high temperatures.

3. Thermal Energy Production: The burning process generates thermal energy by boiling water in large boilers.

4. Electricity Generation: Steam produced from boiling water drives turbines to produce electricity.

5. Emission Control: Filters ensure low secondary pollution and low dioxin emissions are maintained.

This method isn’t just about generating electricity; it also contributes to combined heat and hot water supply for local communities.

Benefits of Using Refuse-Derived Fuel in Incinerators

Cost Reduction in Waste Management

Using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) helps reduce waste management costs by diverting significant amounts of municipal solid waste and commercial waste away from costly landfill sites. Landfilling waste incurs rising taxes, operational expenses, and long-term environmental responsibilities. By converting this waste material into an energy source, businesses and municipalities can cut costs while generating value from otherwise discarded resources.

Stable Combustion and Efficiency

The refuse-derived fuel process creates a refined fuel with consistent calorific value, ensuring stable combustion in cement kilns, power plants, and other industrial processes. This stability means reliable heat output and efficient thermal energy production.

Compared to untreated waste, RDF minimises operational risks and maximises energy extraction, making it a dependable renewable energy source.

Carbon Emissions Reduction

Compared to traditional coal-fired power plants, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) generates significantly lower carbon emissions. By using derived fuel made from processed municipal solid waste and non-recyclable plastics, industries reduce methane emissions from decomposing waste in landfill sites.

Supports Circular Economy

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plays a key role in the circular economy by transforming commercial waste, industrial waste, and residual material into a valuable renewable energy source. Instead of discarding these materials in landfill sites, the refuse-derived fuel process repurposes them for cement plants, power plants, and other industrial processes.

This approach reduces reliance on virgin resources, lowers waste management costs, and minimises carbon emissions. By closing the loop in waste management, RDF contributes to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.

Versatile Energy Use

• RDF is used in cement plants.
• RDF supports industrial processes requiring high heat.
• RDF contributes to combined heat and power facilities.

Challenges of Refuse-Derived Fuel in Energy Production

While refuse-derived fuel (RDF) offers many benefits, it also faces notable challenges.

High Initial Investment

Setting up a refuse-derived fuel plant requires significant financial investment and infrastructure.

Waste Sorting Difficulties

Inadequate sorting of commercial waste or demolition waste can lower the calorific value of RDF.

Emission Concerns

Without proper emission controls, the burning of RDF can result in low secondary pollution and other environmental risks.

Public Perception Issues

Many communities remain sceptical about incineration plants due to fears about air quality and health risks.

Refuse-Derived Fuel in the UK: Adoption and Future Trends

In the UK, the adoption of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) has seen significant growth, particularly in sectors like the cement industry and power plants, where it serves as a reliable renewable energy source. Every year, the UK processes millions of tonnes of municipal solid waste and commercial waste into RDF, diverting substantial amounts from landfill sites. This approach not only reduces waste management costs but also supports the country’s sustainability goals.

Advances in materials recycling facilities have played a crucial role in improving the quality of RDF, creating a more refined fuel with a recoverable calorific value. Modern processing technologies ensure that contaminants are removed, and moisture levels are controlled, resulting in a fuel source that burns more efficiently and consistently.

Cement plants across the UK have become key users of RDF, relying on it as an alternative fuel to replace traditional coal-fired power plants. This shift not only reduces carbon emissions but also supports the circular economy by repurposing waste into valuable energy.

Additionally, RDF is increasingly being combined with tyre-derived fuels and other alternative fuels, creating a balanced and sustainable approach to both waste management costs and energy generation. With ongoing improvements in technology and infrastructure, RDF is set to play an even larger role in the UK’s sustainable waste management future.

Why Refuse-Derived Fuel Matters Now More Than Ever

Refuse-derived fuel offers a sustainable and cost-effective energy source that bridges the gap between waste management and renewable energy production. By converting municipal solid waste, domestic waste, and non-recyclable plastics into refined fuel, RDF supports cement plants, industrial processes, and power plants across the UK.

While there are challenges, the refuse-derived fuel process continues to improve, ensuring lower carbon emissions, stable combustion, and a significant reduction in landfill sites usage.

With growing adoption and advanced technologies, refuse-derived fuel RDF is set to play an even larger role in the UK’s sustainable energy future.