enfinium, one of the UK’s largest energy from waste (EfW) operators, has published a detailed plan to both decarbonise its own operations and deliver carbon removals at scale to help the UK achieve its net zero targets.
Backed by an investment programme worth over £1.7 billion (€1.9 billion), the ‘Net Zero Transition Plan’ sets out enfinium’s pathway to achieve net zero across its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033, ahead of the waste industry target of 2040.
enfinium said its plans, driven by the installation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology at enfinium’s sites across the UK, will enable enfinium to generate hundreds of thousands of tonnes of durable carbon removals from 2030, rising to 1.2 million tonnes per year by 2039.
The UK currently generates around 27 million tonnes of waste every year that cannot be recycled. According to the government’s figures, by 2042, even if the UK hits its ambitious recycling targets, there will still be over 17 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste produced each year.
Around half of the unrecyclable waste produced by the UK is made up of biogenic content - organic material such as food waste, plants and soiled paper or card - which has already naturally absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere.
Installing CCS technology at enfinium’s energy from waste facilities will enable this CO2 to be permanently captured and stored rather than released back into the atmosphere, resulting in a net carbon removal, according to the enterprise.
Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, said: “Today enfinium uses waste that cannot be recycled, which would otherwise go to climate damaging landfill, to generate low carbon homegrown energy. Installing carbon capture technology will allow us to go further and remove more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.
“Carbon removals is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the waste sector globally. With bold leadership and in partnership with governments we can pioneer a credible and affordable pathway to zero emissions and green growth.”
enfinium announces plan to deliver carbon removals at scale for the UK
