Why is Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) derived from Mixed Residual Waste A Great Alternative Fuel Source?

Solid Recovered Fuel or SRF is a fuel produced by bringing ordinary household and commercial waste into the circular economy. It’s also a key way for the global cement industry – one of the world’s most energy-intensive processes – to reduce GHG emissions.

Typical SRF is derived from high-value recyclable materials such as clean plastics, paper and cardboard. However, SRF derived from Mixed Residual Waste is different because it takes unrecyclable materials that would otherwise go to landfill or for incineration – and gives them greater use within the circular economy.

Stephen Wise, Advetec’s Chief Strategic Development Officer said: “Mixed Residual Waste has been largely overlooked by energy producers, waste creators, handlers and even legislators until recently, and it’s typically been sent to landfill or for burning in Energy from Waste (EfW) plants. But that is an astonishing waste of an untapped and alternative fuel source.

“When unrecyclable waste is turned into SRF, it becomes part of the circular economy. MRW-derived SRF is ideal for green cement production because it moves waste once considered worthless, up the thermal hierarchy creating a high-value alternative fuel containing biogenic carbon. It turns waste into a commodity.”

Giving waste thermal value

Advetec’s technology converts MRW into SRF at clients’ sites using biotechnology. The XO aerobic systems combine robust engineering with biostimulants to digest the organic fraction of the waste. The process creates floc – which is a consistent, homogenous and high-quality material with a high calorific or thermal value. It’s this calorific content that makes it ideal as SRF and well suited as a coal replacement product to power cement kilns and suitable for use at the pre-calciner stage of the cement production process.

Stephen Wise said: “Our technology processes residual waste that contains food and organic material, therefore the resulting floc has a fraction of biogenic carbon. This makes a significant difference in the production of green cement, further supporting the circular economy and the reduction of GHG emissions.

“One tonne of SRF can replace approximately half a tonne of coal, so it’s easy to see just how quickly decarbonisation of the cement industry could occur if residual waste-derived SRF was embraced. To put it into perspective, one truckload of unrecyclable waste, that normally would be disposed of at a landfill or incineration, can save two and a half tonnes of coal from being mined. We not only reduce the carbon emissions but halve the residual waste and create a valuable resource, coal replacement product.”

As the team behind the Cradle to Cradle concept famously said – waste is simply a valuable resource in the wrong place.

Stephen  concluded: “We need to stop viewing MRW as something at the end of its useful life, and instead recognise it as an alternative fuel source. Turning this waste into a high-yield source of energy provides a ready alternative to fossil fuels. It provides a way for the green cement industry to halve its fuel-associated carbon footprint and benefit the circular economy virtually overnight. The cement industry has to decarbonise and SRF is one way how.”

Find out more about how to produce SRF on-site and how to enter the SRF market.