““The current and future role of The current and future role of

SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel)

in the European Waste in the European Waste

Management Industry”Management Industry”

Cologne, 26 October Cologne, 26 October 20062006

TABLE OF TABLE OF CONTENTCONTENT1)1) Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF): definition / driversSolid Recovered Fuel (SRF): definition / drivers

2)2) SRF: composition and usesSRF: composition and uses

3)3) Requirements of industrial users of SRF: need for Requirements of industrial users of SRF: need for standardization of SRFstandardization of SRF / / ffuture work of CEN/TC 343 SRFuture work of CEN/TC 343 SRF

4)4) European overview: SRF market potential / SRF market productionEuropean overview: SRF market potential / SRF market production

5)5) European overview:European overview:

a) Finlanda) Finland

b) Germanyb) Germany

c) Austriac) Austria

d) Italy d) Italy

6)6) The future SRF under a European perspective (Thematic Strategy) The future SRF under a European perspective (Thematic Strategy)

7)7) Conclusions: Conclusions: benefits of SRF in the European contextbenefits of SRF in the European context

1) SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) : 1) SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) : definitiondefinition

SRF is a sSRF is a solid fuel prepared from non-hazardous waste, meeting the classification olid fuel prepared from non-hazardous waste, meeting the classification and specification requirements of CEN-TS15359.and specification requirements of CEN-TS15359.

The SRF is processed, homogenised and up-graded to a quality that can be traded The SRF is processed, homogenised and up-graded to a quality that can be traded amongst producers and users.amongst producers and users.

SRF is a tradable and storable fuel that, depending on quality, can be used with a SRF is a tradable and storable fuel that, depending on quality, can be used with a high electricity efficiency. high electricity efficiency.

The use of SRF saves other resources, it contributes to the EU strategy “Security of The use of SRF saves other resources, it contributes to the EU strategy “Security of Energy Supply” and helps achieve the Kyoto targets in terms of avoided COEnergy Supply” and helps achieve the Kyoto targets in terms of avoided CO22 emissions.emissions.

The Landfill Directive requires The Landfill Directive requires diversion of biodegradable waste from diversion of biodegradable waste from

landfill. Some member States have landfill. Some member States have already implemented a “ban” for already implemented a “ban” for

combustible waste or “organic waste” combustible waste or “organic waste” in landfill.in landfill.

Other recovery options for mixed Other recovery options for mixed combustible waste are limited. Direct combustible waste are limited. Direct incineration plants are well suited for incineration plants are well suited for

large cities but their permitting large cities but their permitting procedure is difficult and time procedure is difficult and time

consuming.consuming.

SRFSRF

1) SRF: drivers*1) SRF: drivers*

* Source ERFO – European Recovered Fuel Organisation: “SRF Markets”, March 2006.

INDUSTRY ISSUESINDUSTRY ISSUES DRIVERSDRIVERS SOLUTION PROVIDED BY SOLUTION PROVIDED BY SRFSRF

Landfill DirectiveLandfill Directive Diversion biomassDiversion biomass

MSW, with its biomass MSW, with its biomass content, is not disposed in content, is not disposed in landfill, but recovered as landfill, but recovered as energy energy 

Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Sources (RES) DirectiveDirective

Biomass contentBiomass contentEnergy production through Energy production through SRF co-firing contributes to SRF co-firing contributes to reach the Directive targets reach the Directive targets

Best Available Best Available PracticePractice

Energy/climate Energy/climate changechange(Emission Trading (Emission Trading Directive)Directive)

1 ton of SRF (through its 1 ton of SRF (through its production from MSW and its production from MSW and its co-firing ) reduces emissions co-firing ) reduces emissions of of COCO22 by not less than 1 ton by not less than 1 ton COCO22 ** **

Energy costEnergy cost Oil/gas/coal, COOil/gas/coal, CO22

SRF has the lowest production SRF has the lowest production cost amongst RES and cost amongst RES and lowers electricity production lowers electricity production costs costs ** Average value of CO2 saving, to be validated case by case by applying the specific methodology set by

CEN. In Italy tests on significative samples, certified by external body (Stazione Sperimentale

Combustibili) , showed a reduction of 1,75 tonCO2 for 1 ton of SRF.

2) SRF: composition and uses2) SRF: composition and uses

Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF)

DIRECT USE

VIA GASIFICATION

Uses ofSRF

COAL PETCOKE LIGNITE

COAL GAS ORIMULSION

Using in conjunction with coal and petcoke in: Coalfired power plants (10%) Cement kilns (over 40%) CHP ind. Boilers (12%)

Using in conjunction as syn-gas in power plants (10%)

SRF potential usesSRF potential uses

Derived from dry fraction from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

chlorine-free plastic waste and rubber

dry fraction from Industrial waste

In order to deliver high and constant quality (High Quality SRF)

calorific value close to coal levels (more than 5.000 kcal/kg, i.e. 22.000 kjoule/kg)

3) REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL USERS OF 3) REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL USERS OF SRF: Need for standardization of SRFSRF: Need for standardization of SRF

At present recovered fuels are still considered wastes, under At present recovered fuels are still considered wastes, under the European laws and in the majority of European countries.the European laws and in the majority of European countries.

In order to simplify trade, standardized SRF should be at least In order to simplify trade, standardized SRF should be at least qualified for the notification’s procedure of the Basel ”green qualified for the notification’s procedure of the Basel ”green list”. Although the costs for re-permitting under the Waste list”. Although the costs for re-permitting under the Waste Incineration Directive (WID) are moderate, combustion plants Incineration Directive (WID) are moderate, combustion plants do not want to be labelled as “waste incinerators”.do not want to be labelled as “waste incinerators”.

The present proposal for the revision of the Waste Framework The present proposal for the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and a proposal for a European Biomass Action Directive (WFD) and a proposal for a European Biomass Action Plan (BAP) include elements by which “the use of waste as a Plan (BAP) include elements by which “the use of waste as a fuel may be made easier”.fuel may be made easier”.

European standards for the clustering of SRF may be used to European standards for the clustering of SRF may be used to tackle this important issue.tackle this important issue.

3) REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL USERS OF 3) REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL USERS OF SRF: Future work of CEN/TC 343SRF: Future work of CEN/TC 343

The technical specifications (TSs) proposed by CEN/TC 343 were The technical specifications (TSs) proposed by CEN/TC 343 were approved by unanimous vote and were published in 2006. approved by unanimous vote and were published in 2006.

TSs validation is under way in the EU funded project QUOVADIS. TSs validation is under way in the EU funded project QUOVADIS. A third dissemination workshop was organized in June 2006. A third dissemination workshop was organized in June 2006. First results will be available by end 2006.First results will be available by end 2006.

Once validated, TSs will be subject to public enquiry which will Once validated, TSs will be subject to public enquiry which will put TC343 in the position to upgrade and finalize the European put TC343 in the position to upgrade and finalize the European Norm (EN).Norm (EN).

The upgrading will take 1 to 3 years, depending on the outcome The upgrading will take 1 to 3 years, depending on the outcome of the public enquiry (and the status of the Waste Framework of the public enquiry (and the status of the Waste Framework Directive-WFD and Biomass Action Plan-BAP).Directive-WFD and Biomass Action Plan-BAP).

4) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: SRF market potential4) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: SRF market potential

* The potential market value has been calculated considering:- a gate fee equal to 100 €/ton MSW, that is roughly equivalent to a gate fee of 200 €/ton SRF- a SRF price equal to 20 €/ton SRF for cement kilns and CHP, and 60 €/ton SRF for power plants

By assuming a 10% substitution rate in power plants, SRF By assuming a 10% substitution rate in power plants, SRF market potential (*) in EU15 amounts to market potential (*) in EU15 amounts to 57 mio t/y57 mio t/y, with: , with:

avoided COavoided CO2 2 up 100 mio up 100 mio t/yt/y

a saving of fossil a saving of fossil fuels around 30 fuels around 30 Mtep/yMtep/y

a turnover of around 14 billion € per a turnover of around 14 billion € per year.year.

4) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: SRF market potential*4) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: SRF market potential*

Plant typefossil fuel

substitution by HQ-SRF

%

potential market EU15

(Mio ton SRF/year)

potential market value EU15

(Mio €)

Cement kilnsCement kilns 15/30 3,5 - 7 770 - 1540

Power plantsPower plants 2/4 6,5 - 13 1.690 - 3.380

CHP ind. boilersCHP ind. boilers 17 3740tot 27 - 37 6.200 - 8.660

Power plantsPower plants 10 33 8580tot 54 - 57 13.100 - 13.860

94 - 100

27 - 29

avoided emissions of CO2 (Mton/y)

saving of fossil fuels (Mtep/y)

ERFO SCENARIO *

SCENARIO WITH POWER PLANTS @ 10%

* Source ERFO – European Recovered Fuel Organisation: “SRF: achieving environmental and energy-related goals markets”, June 2006 (estimates refer to SRF derived from High Calorific Fraction of MSW, bulky waste, mixed commercial waste and from production specific wastes)

4) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: SRF current 4) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: SRF current production*production*

* Source ERFO – European Recovered Fuel Organisation: “SRF: achieving environmental and energy-related goals markets”, June 2006. (estimates refer to SRF derived from High Calorific Fraction of MSW, bulky waste, mixed commercial waste and from production specific wastes )

Data on current production and use show that SRF has been, so far, not Data on current production and use show that SRF has been, so far, not

extensively exploited as an option for MSW management. In particular, extensively exploited as an option for MSW management. In particular,

SRF use has so far been quite limited in power plants given the lack of SRF use has so far been quite limited in power plants given the lack of

market power of Low Quality SRF. market power of Low Quality SRF. Overview SRF Production 2005

Plants Number

SRF kt/a

Cement kt/a

Power plant hard coal kt/a

Power plant lignite kt/a

CHP kt/a

MSWI kt/a

Blast furnace kt/a

Export kt/a

Austria >10 600 130 250 220 ? Belgium 5 100 100 -? Denmark 1 12 0 Finland 21 300 300 0 France 0 0 50 -50 Germany 29 1700-

2200 900-1200

500-600

See hardcoal

200-300

50-100

Greece 9 200 200? 0 Italy 49 1000 180 50 0 40 400 0 Netherlands 8 300-

400 0 0 0 0 0 300-

400 Portugal 3 ? 0 Spain 0 0 0 Sweden 12 ? 1300? -? UK 4 100 100 0 total 4000-

5000

5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: AUSTRIA5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: AUSTRIA

SRF Technical StandardSRF Technical Standard

Guidelines - finalized end 2006 - for waste fuel issued by the Guidelines - finalized end 2006 - for waste fuel issued by the Federal Ministry of Agricolture, Forestry, Environment & Water Federal Ministry of Agricolture, Forestry, Environment & Water Management (on the basis of the CEN/TC 343):Management (on the basis of the CEN/TC 343):

- determine the state of the art for the disposal in different determine the state of the art for the disposal in different incineration plantsincineration plants

- set emission thresholds (related to the different plants) for the set emission thresholds (related to the different plants) for the content of specific pollutantscontent of specific pollutants

- describe sampling and sample preparation of waste fueldescribe sampling and sample preparation of waste fuel

a) AUSTRIA: SRF Market potential *a) AUSTRIA: SRF Market potential *

CEMENT INDUSTRY 274.000 t/y

PULP- PAPERINDUSTRY797.000 t dry substance /y

CHIP- AND FIBREBOARD INDUSTRY348.000 t dry substance/y

POWER PLANTS Approx. 100.000 t/y

BLAST FURNACE Planned 220.000 t/y

INDUSTRIAL INCINERATION PLANTS (equipped like MSW incineration

plants)500.000 t/y

Recovery of waste fuels (SRF, waste fuels and waste wood) : Recovery of waste fuels (SRF, waste fuels and waste wood) :

* Source: interview to representatives of the Federal Ministry of Agricolture, Forestry, Environment & Water Management (2006).

5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: FINLAND5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: FINLANDSRF Technical StandardSRF Technical Standard

The National Standard defines the procedure and requirements, by which the The National Standard defines the procedure and requirements, by which the quality of recovered fuel, produced for the purpose of energy recovery from quality of recovered fuel, produced for the purpose of energy recovery from source-separated waste, can be controlled and reported unambiguously.source-separated waste, can be controlled and reported unambiguously.

TOPIC CHARACTERISTICS UNIT

REPORTING PRECISION

QUALITY CLASS

I II III

1 Chlorine (dry material)%

(m/m) 0,01<

0,15< 0,50 < 1,50

2 Sulphur (dry material)%

(m/m) 0,01<

0,20< 0,30 < 0,50

3 Nitrogen (dry material)%

(m/m) 0,01<

1,00< 1,50 < 2,50

4 Potassium and sodium (dry mat.)

% (m/m) 0,01

< 0,20

< 0,40 < 0,50

5Aluminium (met.) for dry

mat.%

(m/m) 0,01 1) 2) 3)

6 Mercury (dry material) mg/kg 0,1 < 0,1 < 0,2 < 0,5

7 Cadmium (dry material) mg/kg 0,1 < 1,0 < 4,0 < 5,0

1) metallic aluminium is not allowed, but is accepted within the limits of reporting metallic aluminium is not allowed, but is accepted within the limits of reporting precisionprecision 2) metallic aluminium is minimized by source-separation and by the fuel production metallic aluminium is minimized by source-separation and by the fuel production processprocess 3) metallic aluminium content is agreed separatelymetallic aluminium content is agreed separately

500.000 t

417.000 t

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

500000

600000

2004 2005 2006

tons

PDF (package) demolition wood (out of WID)

About 10 fluid bed boilers continue to use SRF under WID.About 10 fluid bed boilers continue to use SRF under WID.

The demand and production of SRF will increase in the coming years.The demand and production of SRF will increase in the coming years.

b) FINLAND: SRF Market potentialb) FINLAND: SRF Market potential

5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: GERMANY5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: GERMANYSRF Market potentialSRF Market potential

By assuming a 3-4% substitution rate in power plants, HQ-SRF market potential in By assuming a 3-4% substitution rate in power plants, HQ-SRF market potential in Germany amounts to 16,4 mio t/y, with Germany amounts to 16,4 mio t/y, with avoided COavoided CO22 up 16 mio t/y up 16 mio t/y, with a , with a

saving of fossil fuels saving of fossil fuels around 8 Mtep/y.around 8 Mtep/y.

Plant type

fossil fuel substitution by

HQ-SRF %

potential market Germany

(Mio ton SRF/year)

          

Cement kilns 40 1,4Power plants 2/4 1,0 - 2,0CHP ind. boilers   5     

tot   7,4 - 8,4

     

 SCENARIO INCLUDING ALL

POWER PLANTS @ 3/4%Power plants 3/4 10,0     tot   16,4     avoided emissions of CO2 (Mton/y)   28,7     

saving of fossil fuels (Mtep/y)   8,2

c) GERMANY: RAL system for SRF* quality c) GERMANY: RAL system for SRF* quality assuranceassurance

Acceptance area

Positive sorting of HCF (High Calorific

Fraction)

SRF production

SRF storage

Process Chain

Input control

Process control

Process control

Product control: internal and external

QA chain

This system, certified with ISO 9001, lead

to a SRF controlled production

verified with the RAL system.

Acceptance area

Positive sorting of HCF (High Calorific

Fraction)

SRF production

SRF storage

Process Chain

Input control

Process control

Process control

Product control: internal and external

* Source REMONDIS, 2005

c) GERMANY: example of quality c) GERMANY: example of quality control*control*

Regular samplingduring production

Single samples are combined to 500-t-mixed-samples

Sampling behind last step of size reduction

Delivery to the customer

* Source REMONDIS, 2005

c) GERMANY: c) GERMANY: some experiences of SRF co-some experiences of SRF co-firing*firing*

• Hard coal, RWE Gerstein, 220 kt/aHard coal, RWE Gerstein, 220 kt/a• Lignite, Vattenfall Jänschwalde, 400 kt/aLignite, Vattenfall Jänschwalde, 400 kt/a• Lignite, RWE Berrenrath, 70 kt/aLignite, RWE Berrenrath, 70 kt/a• Cement kiln: operations of many use 900 - Cement kiln: operations of many use 900 -

1200 kt/a in Germany1200 kt/a in Germany• CHP, Neumünster, 150 kt/aCHP, Neumünster, 150 kt/a

* Source ERFO, 2006

5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: ITALY5) EUROPEAN OVERVIEW: ITALYHQ-SRF under the Italian LegislationHQ-SRF under the Italian Legislation

SRFSRF for standard use in dedicated plant is classified as for standard use in dedicated plant is classified as special wastespecial waste

The The HQ-SRFHQ-SRF, utilized in co-firing in power plants and cement kilns, , utilized in co-firing in power plants and cement kilns, is is classified as fuelclassified as fuel

In proportion to its In proportion to its fraction of biomass, SRF is also a renewable fraction of biomass, SRF is also a renewable energyenergy source (RES) source (RES)

SRF and HQ-SRF benefit of the SRF and HQ-SRF benefit of the Italian incentives schemesItalian incentives schemes designed designed for electricity produced from RESfor electricity produced from RES

The material The material End of WasteEnd of Waste - criteria set out by new WFD - criteria set out by new WFD proposal (Art. 11) proposal (Art. 11)

THE ITALIAN HQ-SRF THE ITALIAN HQ-SRF LEGISLATION IS IN LINELEGISLATION IS IN LINE

WITH UE LAWS AND DECREEWITH UE LAWS AND DECREE

The ECJ The ECJ (European (European Courts of Courts of Justice) rulingsJustice) rulings

The current The current WFD (Waste WFD (Waste Framework Framework Directive) Directive)

The Thematic StrategyThe Thematic Strategy

d) ITALY: SRF Technical Standardd) ITALY: SRF Technical StandardThe chemical-physical properties of the HQ-SRF and the normal grade SRF as per Italian The chemical-physical properties of the HQ-SRF and the normal grade SRF as per Italian Standards (UNI 9903)Standards (UNI 9903)

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICSHIGH-GRADE SRF UNDER ITALIAN LEGISLATION

NORMAL SRF UNDER ITALIAN

LEGISLATION

Physical Aspect

Size mm

L.H.V.°Kj/kg a.r. (as

received) > 20.000 > 15.000*

Umidity as received < 18% < 25%

Cl d.m. (dry matter) < 0,7% < 0,9%*

S d.m. < 0,3% < 0,6%*

Ash d.m. < 15% < 20%

Cr mg/kg d.m. < 70 < 100

Cu mg/kg d.m. < 50 < 300

Mn mg/kg d.m. < 200 < 400

Ni mg/kg d.m. < 30 < 40

As mg/kg d.m. < 5 < 9

Cd mg/kg d.m. < 3< 7

Hg mg/kg d.m. < 1

Pb mg/kg d.m. < 100 < 200- A proposed European Norm for the standardization of SRF is expected to be edited soon by CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) for a validation program.- The proposal - that will be published as Technical Specification (TS) is the result of the activity of a specific technical committee (CEN-TC343) appointed by the European Commission for the purpose.- During the validation time (three years) and until the final approval of the European Norm (EN) each member state can apply its national standard

d) ITALY: SRF Market potentiald) ITALY: SRF Market potentialNothwithstanding limited coal usage in Italy, the potential of the HQ-SRF’s Nothwithstanding limited coal usage in Italy, the potential of the HQ-SRF’s utilisation in existing plants (cement kilns and power plants) could allow to recover utilisation in existing plants (cement kilns and power plants) could allow to recover up to 10 milion tons of MSW (50% of MSW currently disposed of in landfill).up to 10 milion tons of MSW (50% of MSW currently disposed of in landfill).

HQ-SRF co-firing scenarioHQ-SRF co-firing scenario

10% thermal substituion in power plants, i.e. existing coal fired power plants + new coal fired units located in Vado Ligure (Savona) and Monfalcone (Gorizia) + coal repowering of power plant located in Civitavecchia (Rome) and further units located in Fusina (Venice).

Existing cement kilns (40% of thermal substituition)

The The co-firing of HQ-SRF co-firing of HQ-SRF could also allow:could also allow:

avoidance of the emission of aboutavoidance of the emission of about 9,2 Million Tons of CO 9,2 Million Tons of CO22 per year (about per year (about 10% of the 10% of the “Kyoto Protocol” targets)“Kyoto Protocol” targets) production of electricity from Renewable Energy Sources for about production of electricity from Renewable Energy Sources for about 5 5 TWh/yearTWh/year (23% of the gap remaining to reach the objective under (23% of the gap remaining to reach the objective under Directive 2001/77/CE)Directive 2001/77/CE)

4.972 tHQ SRF

in power plants

4.896 tHQ SRF

in cement kilns

2.400 tcompost

4.800 tmaterial recovery

2.760 tincineration

10.172 tlandfill

• Cement kiln, Buzzi-Unicem (Cuneo)Cement kiln, Buzzi-Unicem (Cuneo)

- 2 Mt/a clinker- 2 Mt/a clinker - 40 kt/a* SRF substitution rate 20% - 40 kt/a* SRF substitution rate 20%

20 kt/a of HQ-SRF, with the full recovery of MSW locally 20 kt/a of HQ-SRF, with the full recovery of MSW locally producedproduced

20 kt/a of SRF from commercial/industrial waste 20 kt/a of SRF from commercial/industrial waste

• Hard coal, Enel Fusina (Venezia), group 3 = 320 Mwe, Hard coal, Enel Fusina (Venezia), group 3 = 320 Mwe, - 35 kt/a** of SRF, with a partial recovery of MSW locally produced- 35 kt/a** of SRF, with a partial recovery of MSW locally produced

•With a potential quantity of other 70 kt/a, subject to autorizhation•** Group 4 is available for an equivalent amount, subject to autorizhation

d) ITALY: some experiencesd) ITALY: some experiences

High-grade SRFHigh-grade SRF

Discharging and Discharging and dosingdosing

Dry fraction loadingDry fraction loading

High-grade SRF co-firingHigh-grade SRF co-firingin cement kilnin cement kiln

* Source I.d.e.a. GRANDA, 2006

d) ITALY: example of SRF production and use*d) ITALY: example of SRF production and use*

d) ITALY: d) ITALY: the reduction in nitrthe reduction in nitrogenogen oxide oxide emissions recorded emissions recorded atat the chimney stack of the the chimney stack of the

plant plant

The The Thematic StrategyThematic Strategy aims, aims, inter aliainter alia, at:, at:

promoting recovery of wastepromoting recovery of waste

increasing the resource efficiencyincreasing the resource efficiency

reducing the negative environmental impact of use of natural reducing the negative environmental impact of use of natural resourcesresources

developing common reference standard for recycling and developing common reference standard for recycling and recoveryrecovery

moving towards moving towards a recycling and recovery society (i.e. moving up a recycling and recovery society (i.e. moving up the hierarchy, away from landfill and more and more to recycling the hierarchy, away from landfill and more and more to recycling and recoveryand recovery

introducing a life-cycle thinking into waste policyintroducing a life-cycle thinking into waste policy

6) THE FUTURE SRF UNDER A 6) THE FUTURE SRF UNDER A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVEEUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

SRFSRF

is the is the result of a recovery processresult of a recovery process

complies with standards (national and European, when available) complies with standards (national and European, when available) and aims at reducing the environmental impacts both of waste and aims at reducing the environmental impacts both of waste cycle and industrial plants that use itcycle and industrial plants that use it

is a product usable, with economic value, only and is a product usable, with economic value, only and exclusivelyexclusively if if compliant with standards and used in certain industrial plants compliant with standards and used in certain industrial plants

is produced is produced andand used in compliance with applicable legislation (e.g. used in compliance with applicable legislation (e.g. WID/IPPC)WID/IPPC)

substitutes natural resources (fossil fuels)substitutes natural resources (fossil fuels)

LCA is positiveLCA is positive

SRF complies with Thematic Strategy

6) THE FUTURE SRF UNDER A 6) THE FUTURE SRF UNDER A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVEEUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

7) CONCLUSIONS:7) CONCLUSIONS:

In the European arena, the use of SRF allows benefits like:

Achieving goals of the Thematic Strategy

Saving of natural resources / substitution of fossil fuel

Compliance with ECJ rulings

Achieving targets of the Kyoto Protocol (avoiding CO2 emissions) and of European Renewable Energies’ legislation (due to biogenic content of SRF)

Achieving recycling and reduction targets for biodegradable materials going to landfill

Since mid 2006 Tecnhical Specifications (TSs) are available to describe SRF under a technical profile.

It is high time for a European common policy in order to provide each Member State with a common “level playing field”.