Energy Recovery
Driving smarter solutions
Not every part of a waste stream can be recycled, but that doesn’t mean it goes to waste. When recycling isn’t an option, energy recovery is the next best solution, as guided by the waste hierarchy. Every waste stream holds energy potential, and our role is to carefully segregate these materials and direct them to the most effective recovery methods, ensuring nothing is wasted unnecessarily.
At RiverRidge, we see waste as a valuable resource that plays a crucial role in decarbonising our local energy networks. Like all economies, Northern Ireland faces the challenge of combating climate change and has set ambitious carbon reduction targets linked to energy usage. By recovering the energy trapped in waste streams, we can support the region’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Leading the way in waste recovery, our flagship power plant in Belfast stands as Northern Ireland’s only large-scale waste-to-energy facility, ensuring the benefits of waste resources remain within our community. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As energy recovery from waste continues to evolve, we are committed to developing cutting-edge processes and exploring new end markets for waste-derived fuels. Over the years, we have not only established our own waste-to-energy infrastructure but have also partnered with various projects to supply bespoke waste-derived fuels, reinforcing our dedication to advancing Northern Ireland’s carbon-zero journey.
Energy recovery processes
Energy can be recovered from waste either via thermal or biological processes. The use of each technology is determined by the nature of each waste stream. For example, the recovery of energy from non-recyclable plastic waste streams is better suited to thermal treatment, while biological treatment is seen as the best available technology for food waste.
Energy recovery benefits
The combination of our transitioning fleet and advanced waste solutions help customers report the lowest scope 3 emissions. These solutions ensure compliance with current and future legislation, while supporting Northern Ireland’s progress toward a cleaner future.
From collection to carbon reduction
1
Collection
Utilising the most modern commercial fleet on the market, our collection solutions result in the lowest carbon footprint per tonne.
2
Treatment
At this stage we extract recycling products trapped in your waste streams and release the energy hidden in non-recyclable materials.
3
Reporting
We provide full digital reports of the benefits gained to ensure your scope 3 obligations are fulfilled and your compliance needs are met.