More than 190 million tons annuls of urban waste are generated in Europe, according to The European Waste Association. This amount of garbage has increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. However, to deal with recycling is not enough, but some countries have found a way to generate energy.
100% recycled. One of those countries and precursor has been Sweden, which They have found In the incineration of waste an energy source, providing heating and electricity to 250,000 homes.
Energy source. The data, provided by the Swedish state company VattenfallThey have indicated that only 1% of the trash ends in landfills; The rest becomes energy through the use of biomethane. Thanks to this energy source they can generate heating, electricity and even can be used as fuel for cars. In addition, the Swedish nation is importing the waste from other European countries to produce more energy.
The process. Waste management in Sweden It is done In plants Waste-to-Energy (WTE). Once there they are divided into three categories. The first is the organic garbage that is transformed into biogas, compost and fertilizers. Then the plastics that end up recycling. Finally, all non -recyclable waste is incinerated at temperatures up to 850 ° C to generate electricity and heating.
And in Spain? A recent report, which has had access Infobaesaid that the Spanish nation will not meet the waste management objectives established by 2025. In it they have stressed that the waste sector is responsible for 5% of greenhouse gas emissions.
But are they taking action? The central government has proposed to implement A packaging system, in which citizens will receive a refund for recycling containers. For its part, the Valencian Community will reuse The waste and mud that left the Dana, and is studying the possibility of incinerating them to generate electricity.
But there was not an ace under the sleeve … Spain has A great potential To develop the biomethane industry, a renewable gas similar to natural gas that can be stored and injected into the current network. However, as indicated Cecilia Carballo for Fifodiesthe country is behind other European countries in terms of facilities. However, there is a glimpse of hope if appropriate support is given, Spain could take advantage of its ability to produce up to 160 twh per year, which would cover 50% of the national natural gas demand. For this, a robust regulatory framework and policies that foster their development are necessary.
Image | Flickr and Norbert Nagel
Xataka | A strange source of energy is putting the unity of Europe in energy matters: manure