New Isometric paper sees waste-to-energy as a carbon removal method

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Carbon Herald or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A new study by Isometric and the Coalition for Negative Emissions explores the potential of waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities with carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a carbon removal method
• The research examines how integrating CCS into WtE plants could generate durable carbon removal credits in the UK
• Experts from waste management, energy companies, and the UK government contributed to the study

🔭 The context: Waste-to-energy plants incinerate non-recyclable waste to produce electricity and heat, but integrating CCS allows captured CO₂ to be permanently stored
• A key advantage is the sequestration of biogenic CO₂, which would otherwise be released naturally through decomposition
• The study highlights challenges in monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) to ensure the credibility of carbon credits

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This method offers a scalable carbon removal solution while managing waste efficiently
• It aligns with the UK’s net-zero goals by reducing landfill emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration
• Establishing a robust MRV system is crucial for ensuring these credits are high-quality and widely accepted

⏭️ What's next: The study calls for clearer regulations and methodologies to certify waste-to-energy CCS as a reliable carbon removal approach
• Policymakers and industry leaders must address technical and economic challenges, such as emissions allocation and financial viability
• The full report, Energy-from-Waste as a Carbon Removal Pathway in the United Kingdom, is now available for further review

💬 One quote: "Waste-to-energy with CCS offers a promising pathway for generating high-quality, durable carbon dioxide removal credits." — Isometric study conclusion

📈 One stat: The UK has multiple operating WtE plants that could be retrofitted with CCS, significantly scaling up carbon removal efforts

Click for more news covering the latest on carbon removal