La gestión de residuos en Europa está en un punto de inflexión. El reciente estudio “Waste incineration under the EU ETS – an assessment of climate benefits”, elaborado por CE Delft y encargado por Zero Waste Europe y Reloop, propone un paso clave en la transformación del modelo: incluir la incineración de residuos en el Régimen de Comercio de Derechos de Emisión de la Unión Europea (EU ETS).
This approach opens a technical, climate, and political debate with direct implications for the sector, and it fully aligns with the working philosophy that we at Kalfrisa have upheld for decades: efficient, controlled, traceable incineration with the capacity for energy recovery.
What does the study propose?
The report states that the inclusion of incineration in the EU ETS:
- It would improve the control of CO₂ emissions from incineration plants.
- Incentivaría la eficiencia energética y el tratamiento térmico con criterios de sostenibilidad.
- It would represent a step forward in harmonizing waste management with European climate policies.
- It could even generate long-term economic and social benefits.
This approach implies recognizing that incineration is not an end in itself, but rather one tool within the waste management mix, and that its value lies in how it is designed, managed, and controlled.
La respuesta tecnológica de Kalfrisa
At Kalfrisa, we have been designing waste to energy facilities for over 60 years, tailored to the strictest environmental and performance standards.
Our systems:
- They optimize the thermal efficiency of processes.
- They reduce the use of auxiliary fuels by harnessing the calorific value of waste.
- They ensure complete and controlled combustion with minimal by-product generation.
- They integrate advanced gas treatment systems, ensuring traceability of emissions.
A technical vision with an environmental commitment
Kalfrisa advocates a rigorous, technical, and responsible approach to incineration. We support a model in which thermal treatment:
- Complements the circular economy by processing non-recyclable fractions
- Recovers useful energy for industry or district heating networks.
- Meets European standards for emissions and efficiency.
The potential inclusion of this activity in the European emissions market could be an opportunity to continue innovating and move toward a more transparent, measurable, and sustainable model.
Beyond waste to energy
In addition to our work in thermal waste treatment, at Kalfrisa we develop solutions in other strategic, high-tech areas through 360º solutions.
Energy recovery
Air heating
Emissions treatment and control
Discover all our divisions and how we work towards a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable industry.