Taking waste-to-energy facilities to the next level

The face of waste-to-energy is changing. New engineering and architectural approaches to integrating or interacting with the surrounding environment are leading to a new generation of waste-to-energy facilities. These are based on creative designs and multi-functional purposes.

Adding a new dimension to the urban landscape, the modern waste-to-energy facility breaks with all known standards of functionality and design. It aims to enhance efficiency and peacefully co-exist or create an architectural dialogue with its neighbours.

Amagerforbrænding – towering industrial and multi-functional design

The new Amagerforbrænding in Copenhagen, Denmark, has a dual purpose of CHP production and external ski slope for Copenhageners. It is a shining example of innovative architectural design paired with sustainability and energy efficiency: the facility will harness 20 percent additional energy per tonne of waste. The facility will lead to an annual reduction of CO2 emissions by 50-60,000 tonnes. At the same time, the ski slope and surrounding recreational area offer a new way of interacting with Copenhageners and visitors to the city. Ramboll Energy provides consulting services on mechanical and electrical equipment for the new facility.

Ramboll assists in the procurement of a new €0.4 billion waste-to-energy facility in Copenhagen for Amagerforbrænding. Illustration: BIG

It will stand out - not only by its groundbreaking appearance and multi-functional purpose through its design by Danish architects BIG - but also by contributing to Copenhagen's aspiration of becoming CO2 neutral by the year 2025, and to Denmark's aspiration of becoming independent of fossil fuels by 2050. The facility is to be commissioned in 2015-2016.

KARA/NOVEREN stands shoulder to shoulder with kings and queens

In the city of Roskilde, Denmark, the KARA/NOVEREN waste-to-energy facility is currently in the process of adding a new €175M waste-to-energy unit. The new unit will be capable of meeting the capacity demands for thermal treatment of waste generated in its nine owner municipalities.

Designed by Dutch architect Erick van Egeraart, KARA/NOVEREN's novel architectural design will play against the surrounding area's industrial profile. Adding yet another dimension to the architectural experience, the facility will form an axis with the cathedral of Roskilde (Roskilde Domkirke). This cathedral has been the main burial site for Danish monarchs since the 15th century, and is clearly visible on the horizon with its significant spires that have been the city's hallmark since the 17th century.

Ramboll Energy is in charge of the procurement of mechanical and electrical equipment for the new unit which is scheduled for commercial operation in 2013.

SITA Isle of Man – Viking sail or Brachiosaurus?

Sporting a grey metallic surface, the waste-to-energy facility SITA Isle of Man stands out on the island through a structure that evokes thoughts of Viking ships, dinosaurs - or science fiction.

In operation since August 2004 (primary waste incinerator) and July 2005 (secondary waste incinerator), the facility processes 60,000 tonnes of domestic waste and commercial residual waste from the island. Further, it contributes 10 per cent of the island's electricity consumption.

The facility applies cutting edge technologies to maintain high environmental and operational standards. As an example, the capture of rainwater for use in the plant process and the recycling of all water used reduces the demand for mains water in the plant by 40 per cent.

Ramboll Energy was involved in all aspects of the build's phases, providing services ranging from early-phase planning to conceptual design and layout, tender documentation and evaluation, procurement management, contract negotiation and management, and supervision during construction and commissioning.

We currently manage the Department of Local Government and the Environment’s continued obligations under the 25-year operating period of the project agreement between SITA (Isle of Man) Ltd. and the Department.