A multimillion-pound project at the Parc Adfer energy waste facility in North Wales aims to capture up to 235,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, heralding a significant step towards decarbonization.
Operated in partnership with the five local authorities comprising the North Wales Residual Waste Treatment Partnership (NWRWTP), the Parc Adfer facility, established in 2019, currently diverts over 232,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, with more than half of the processed waste being organic.
The introduction of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is expected to enable the facility to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits, enhancing its environmental footprint. According to Enfinium, the waste operator, emissions from energy-from-waste plants are inherently lower per tonne of waste compared to traditional landfill methods.
Enfinium’s CEO, Mike Maudsley, emphasized the transformative potential of the proposed CCS installation, envisioning Parc Adfer as Wales’ largest generator of carbon-negative power. Maudsley underscored the project’s alignment with the Welsh Government’s ambitious target to decarbonize its power grid by 2035 while bolstering job creation in the green economy, with over 1,000 jobs anticipated during the construction phase.
The proposal for grant support from the UK Government under its ‘Track-1’ carbon capture program reflects a broader commitment to accelerating decarbonization efforts. The captured carbon will be transported via the pipeline network being developed for the HyNet carbon capture cluster, a crucial component of the UK’s carbon capture strategy.
Planning and consenting processes for the Parc Adfer CCS project are slated to commence later this year, with expectations for updates from the UK Government on the progress of Track-1 HyNet Expansion projects by the summer.
Ben Burggraaf, CEO of Net Zero Industry Wales, emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging innovative technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen to drive sustainable economic growth in North-East Wales. Urging expedited progress on projects such as Parc Adfer, Burggraaf highlighted the region’s potential to lead in sustainable innovation.
However, the announcement from Enfinium comes against the backdrop of a temporary ban imposed by the UK Government on permits for new energy-from-waste facilities. This move, initiated by Junior Environment Minister Sir Mark Spencer, aims to assess the environmental and public health impacts of waste incineration amid concerns about overcapacity and its implications for waste reduction objectives.
The assessment will scrutinize industry plans and conduct life-cycle analyses to ascertain the environmental impact of energy-from-waste plants, signaling a broader review of waste management practices in England.