2.4 – Energy Cities proposition 12 - Create and implement a territorial biowaste action plan
Knowing our territories’ resources and flows
2014
Energy Cities is a network of more than 1,000 cities in 30 different countries. Convinced that energy transition is more than a question of renewable energy or advanced technologies, Energy Cities proposes to use resources in a reasoned way, to strengthen local participation and to improve the quality of life in a democratic Europe. In 2014, the network presents 30 proposals for the Energy Transition of Territories.
They are a source of inspiration to think and act differently. To finally turn the page on unsustainable practices that lead us into energy, climate and perhaps economic and social dead ends.
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Energy Cities proposition 12 - Create and implement a territorial biowaste action plan
The problem at hand
Household, retail and small business waste management is organised on a territorial basis. Waste is increasingly regarded as a resource: as raw materials for recyclable or compostable waste and as energy sources for combustible and, less frequently, methanable waste.
However we still produce a lot of organic waste in many sectors: agri-food business, unsold food products, leftovers from restaurants and canteens, animal faeces, etc. Waste producers are legally responsible for treating their waste. However, it is often impossible to come up with individual, or even sectoral, solutions that are satisfactory from both an economic and a technical point of view. Collective and efficient solutions from an ecological and economic stand should be found on a territorial, multisectoral basis. Waste to energy schemes based on waste methanisation and involving CHP or biogas grid-injections is one solution.
Proposal
Prepare a territorial plan at regional level for the methanisation of organic waste from the agricultural, agri-food and industrial sectors.
This plan is to list all sources of organic waste and suggest optimal locations for methanisation units. Private companies will be encouraged to build and operate these units. Combined with a land spreading plan, this will prove an efficient solution, avoiding chemical fertilisers and long-distance road haulage.
Conditions for success
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Adopting a territorial approach that goes beyond sector-based logics.
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Involving waste-generating businesses and their professional organisations.
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Taking into account the existence of significant local heat needs and/or of a natural gas network capable of absorbing massive biogas injections.
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Privileging the installation of methanisation units on the property of major organic waste producers ready to accept organic waste from smaller producers.
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Getting farmers’ associations on board in order to optimise land spreading.