The 2020 Waste Reduction Targets loom ever closer. This, together with carbon reduction targets and a commitment to a movement to more renewable energy sources, has seen many look upon the creation of energy from waste as a key part of the future energy mix.
The second ICE Energy from Waste conference featured case studies from Coventry City Council, the London Borough of Southwark and the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority alongside a key update from DEFRA. BNP Paribas provided an important insight into how future Energy from Waste plants could secure funding; something which was a key question for all delegates. Presentations from planners, lawyers, software providers and even a branding consultant rounded off the thorough and comprehensive programme which provided a vital update to the energy from waste sector.
A technical visit to Viridor Laing’s Longley Lane site after the main event allowed delegates to be expertly guided around the plant and see the MBT and AD facilities which produce create green energy.
The second day of the conference coincided with ICE Director General Nick Baveystock calling on the Prime Minister to give a clear signal to society and industry that the Government is committed to putting in place the infrastructure needed to rely on more renewable forms of energy. One of the key questions throughout the event was where the money for projects was going to come from; should the Government be taking the lead and providing more investment itself?
The conference was held at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester and was once again chaired by Peter Jones OBE and opened by Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council.