It can be resource-intensive for Danish energy plants to keep up with extensive international environmental standards.
On the other hand, a lack of adjustment of operations to comply with applicable standards can have major financial consequences. That is why the REFA waste facility relies on FORCE Technology for critical expertise.
Upcoming changes may challenge the waste sector
New EU environmental requirements for the regulation of, among other things, emissions and operation of waste incineration plants, formulated in the so-called BREF documents, are just around the corner. The requirements will significantly affect the daily operations of waste facilities and can have economic consequences if operations are not adjusted to the new requirements in time.
For Bjarne Petersen, section manager at REFA in Maribo/Sakskøbing, there is no doubt about the importance of strong national expertise in this field.
“At REFA, we cannot allocate the resources necessary to stay on top of all the requirements and regulations set forth by current legislation. Therefore, we are highly dependent on others to obtain knowledge of the new standards and bring back expertise on their implementation to the Danish waste sector.”
Independent consultancy future-proofs REFA’s new facility
Bjarne Petersen himself has faced a situation where he needed specialist knowledge that REFA did not have the resources to acquire. A new flue gas condensation facility was to be built, and it had to be future-proofed for requirements in the upcoming BREF documents.
Therefore, Bjarne Petersen initiated a dialogue with FORCE Technology, which, in its role as an independent GTS institute, could act as a sparring partner for REFA in discussions with both the Environmental Agency and the facility supplier. The Environmental Agency’s approval of the facility according to the BREF documents was crucial for commissioning, as the facility can only be put into operation once it meets all requirements.
For this reason, REFA received help from FORCE Technology to prepare the environmental technical documentation, which describes for the Environmental Agency how the facility is being built and how it fulfills the requirements. FORCE Technology also assisted in describing the design of the measurement station for the supplier to ensure compliance with the upcoming rules in the BREF documents.
“It was reassuring to have an independent representative like FORCE Technology, which has direct knowledge from the standardization committees, to help us ensure that we are ahead of the legislation. In addition, it benefits the entire Danish waste sector that we have a voice at the negotiating table where the standards are being written, so we can also be sure that the theoretical discussions in the standardization committees can be implemented in practice,” says Bjarne Petersen.
The case was prepared by FORCE Technology and REFA and co-financed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science/Agency for Institutions and Educational Grants. The case is part of a complete case catalogue that addresses the value of standardization work for Danish industry.
About REFA
REFA is a waste and energy company that ensures recycling, produces energy, and disposes of waste from Lolland and Falster. Most of the waste is converted into energy or recyclable raw materials, and only a limited amount is landfilled or sent for special treatment. As REFA focuses on the safe, clean, and responsible operation of incineration plants, the operation of biothermal plants and district heating production is a growing business area for REFA. Read more about REFA at www.refa.dk
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