Overview of Finnish waste to energy R&D programme

The official waste strategy of Finland is presented in the Waste Action Plan. One of the key targets is to increase the MSW based recovery rate from present 40% to 70% by the year 2005. Waste to energy volumes should be increased up to 1 Mt/a on top the highest priority material recycling. For the combustible fractions, bio waste-based composting, and source separation of paper fractions and plastics are the most important options. Waste to energy technology in Finland is focused on co-firing in combined heat and power production, mainly on fluid-bed combustion and gasification technologies and advanced gas cleaning. The quality of solid recovered fuel will be based on good source separation and recovered fuel production technology. Results of the Finnish Waste to Energy Programme, carried out in 1998-2001, are presented in the paper. In total, 60 projects were carried out with a total budget of 16 million. Networking of various players in waste management and energy industry, manufacturers, authorities, research organizations and universities was the main benefit on top of numerous reports and products from the projects. Intensive European and international co-operation through Novem in the Netherlands and IEA Bioenergy MSW task has been an important part of the work and implementation of results. I wish to present my best thanks to all participants in the Waste to Energy Programme for excellent work and co-operation during the National Technology Agency of Finland, Tekes, Technology Programme.