Research into the export of solid recovered fuel (SRF) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) has been commissioned by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).
AMEC E&I have been tasked by CIWM to carry out the research, which will deliver a detailed analysis of the current position with regard to exports and an evaluation of the extent to which waste managers will continue to use these overseas markets in the next five to ten years.
It will also seek to map out future export profiles against potential infrastructure developments in the UK and Ireland for SRF and RDF.
The work is expected to be complete this summer and is supported by Environmental Protections Agency Ireland and Zero Waste Scotland.
CIWM chief executive Steve Lee said: “The amount of SRF and RDF exported from England and Wales rose by almost 600 per cent between 2010-11 and 2011-12, and with this trend likely to continue, this project is timely and relevant.
“Having an accurate assessment of the current situation and the short- to medium-term outlook will help to ensure that we do not become over-reliant on exports to the detriment of capacity here at home.
“With Ofgem’s recent warning about the UK’s growing reliance on energy imports, the findings will also inform the wider debate about our future energy security.”
