Luke Holt, Director for Energy in Asia Pacific at Ramboll, discusses the role of energy-from-waste and bioenergy in Australia’s waste journey.
As Australia strives towards an ambitious goal of achieving an 80 per cent recovery rate by 2030, energy from waste (EfW) projects are poised to play a central role.
Luke Holt, Director for Energy in Asia Pacific at Ramboll, says EfW facilities are not only crucial for advancing waste management strategies but also serve as catalysts for broader industrial development and decarbonisation.
By facilitating operational synergies and recovering valuable materials and energy, these projects represent a comprehensive approach to waste management that aligns with the nation’s sustainability goals.
With two projects in Western Australia nearing completion, Luke says the industry is witnessing a burgeoning pipeline of initiatives at various stages of development along the eastern seaboard.
However, inconsistencies in regulatory frameworks across states and a lack of operational references pose challenges. Key considerations for project success include a thorough understanding of all approval pathways for the facilities and effective management of recovered resources, such as grid connections and the reuse of aggregates.
Additionally, as waste composition is anticipated to evolve with the implementation of new waste management schemes and regulations, such as food organics and garden organics (FOGO), selecting the appropriate technology and ensuring design flexibility are vital for the long-term success of these projects.
“Understanding future changes in waste composition and incorporating adaptability into project design allows EfW facilities to adjust to evolving regulations and waste streams,” Luke says.
“Learning from the implementation of carbon capture and district energy systems in European facilities can also offer a strategic advantage.”
Luke says integration of an EfW facility into a wider waste management or industrial precinct unlocks synergies and efficiency improvements in how the recovered resources are used and how waste is treated. By planning for these innovations now, projects can achieve lower implementation costs in the future and ensure sustainable operational success.
Ramboll, a global leader in engineering and consultancy, has been at the forefront of supporting EfW initiatives worldwide and in Australia.
“Our comprehensive involvement in EfW projects underscores our commitment to advancing EfW technology and providing solutions that align with Australia’s decarbonisation strategies,” Luke says. “As the industry evolves, we stress the importance of creating an ecosystem where all stakeholders – technical experts, commercial entities, and regulatory bodies – collaborate seamlessly to foster the growth and success of EfW projects.”
Alongside EfW, interest in bioenergy, particularly biomethane, has surged. Bioenergy offers a sustainable solution for managing organic waste streams. Ramboll’s competency team has successfully executed more than 200 bioenergy projects globally, and it is now extending its expertise to Australia.
Luke says recent consultation papers from Victorian and New South Wales state governments underscore the potential for bioenergy to revolutionise food and organic waste management in the country.
Bioenergy projects offer dual benefits: managing organic waste and producing renewable energy. The energy can take the form of electricity or upgraded biogas for grid injection, as demonstrated in Australia.
By producing electricity or biomethane from organic waste, these projects help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Luke says the growth of the bioenergy sector in Australia opens new avenues for waste management solutions and economic opportunities, including the development of new industries and jobs.
The challenges facing bioenergy in Australia include feedstock sourcing and the siting of projects in relation to feedstock and offtake locations. He says it is paramount that feedstock considerations are understood from the early stages of project development.
Advanced technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification are increasingly applied to various waste streams locally and internationally. These technologies enable the conversion of different types of waste, such as plastics and organic matter, into valuable products like syngas, bio-oil, and char, which can be further used for energy production or as industrial inputs. As these technologies evolve, they offer promising new methods for sustainable waste management and energy generation.
Luke says Australia’s journey towards achieving its waste recovery and decarbonisation goals is supported by the strategic adoption of EfW and bioenergy solutions. However, realising this potential necessitates a collaborative effort from the entire industry.
Technical innovation, commercial viability, and supportive regulatory frameworks are essential to unlocking the full potential of these technologies.
“Ramboll is committed to contributing to Australia’s sustainable future through global experience and local presence. Its comprehensive support for EfW and bioenergy projects spans feasibility studies, design, project implementation, and operational optimisation,” Luke says. “We are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the Australian waste industry.
“As we move forward, Ramboll calls upon industry stakeholders to join forces in cultivating a thriving ecosystem for EfW and bioenergy. The collaboration between government, private sector investors, and the community is essential to drive progress and achieve a shared vision of a sustainable and decarbonised future.
“By harnessing the transformative potential of EfW and bioenergy, Australia can lead the way in innovative waste management and renewable energy solutions. Together, we can pave the path towards a resilient and sustainable waste industry, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
For more information, visit: www.ramboll.com
