Stage 2

In the European Union, the continuous development generates large amounts of waste, leading to unnecessary losses of materials and energy, negative repercussions on the environment and adverse effects over health and quality of life. Reducing these negative effects is an EU strategic objective. Waste management is already governed by a substantial number of laws, but there are still opportunities to improve the management of certain important waste streams.

According to statistics, every EU citizen produces an amount of about 520 kg of municipal wastes. This amount is 13% more as compared to 1995. By 2020 is predicted a further increase to 680 kg per person, meaning an increase of almost 50% in 25 years. The largest European waste streams originate from construction or demolition and also in manufacturing activities. Most of EU municipal wastes are still sent to landfills (45%). However, more and more municipal wastes are recycled or composted (37%) or incinerated with energy recovery (18%).

Collection and recovery of components of wastes made in Europe in recent years a lot of progress(Luxembourg, Germany and Finland in 1998 reached a recovery rate of approx. 35%). Waste incineration with energy recovery has been developed significantly since 1995. Another method of recovering energy from waste by the means of conversion into biogas is suitable for the particular waste with a high content of organic compounds, which can be split easily into CO2 and water (fats, proteins, glucose, etc..). These wastes are produced mainly in households, canteens, kitchens, abattoirs and agriculture.

To Timisoara city, energy recovery from municipal waste could be a technical solution for long-term economic and social development. Waste collection and transport can be provided by the local health operator, and the incineration facility may be located and operated from a thermo-electric plant (eg : South CET Timisoara). According to data for 2008, the total quantity of waste collected , transported and stored was about 130.7 thousand tons. This is an annual quantity of waste per capita of 425.2 kg. The analyze of the development for waste composition and characteristics of Timisoara shows that by 2030 the total amount of municipal wastes will be ~ 144.6 thousand tons / year with an average low calorific value of 3500 kcal / kg.

As mentioned, energy recovery from waste by conversion to biogas is a future option. The project was conceived such a demonstration facility to simulate conditions that produce biogas through methanogenic fermentation of biodegradable wastes from landfill. In terms of a biodegradable waste landfill, it can be achieved biogas with high efficiency by controlling the methanogenic fermentation conditions.

Read extended version
© 2008 Energy for a clean city