22 March 2024

Cooperation agreement between German and Dutch Waste to Energy sector

Strengthening mutual circular ambitions

The Association of Thermal Waste Treatment Plants in Germany (ITAD) and the Thermal Waste Treatment section of the Dutch Waste Management Association (DWMA) have entered into a permanent partnership agreement covering all matters relating to the thermal treatment of municipal waste and similar commercial waste. Thermal waste treatment plants generate electricity, heat and valuable materials, such as metals and mineral fractions harvested from slags. The organisations signed the agreement at the AVR Waste to Energy plant in Duiven in the Netherlands, close to the German border.

Both associations are committed to modern waste management operations that ensure efficient energy recovery and materials recycling. The cooperation between the two associations aims to promote the exchange of experiences between Germany and the Netherlands, particularly on best practices for climate protection and raw materials circularity. The associations will also make joint constructive representations to government authorities, businesses and the public on how modern thermal waste treatment facilities can benefit society at large.

Cooperation

The two associations will cooperate on:

• Creating platforms, spaces and events for the exchange of ideas
• Mutual support for studies
• Mutual support in initiating charismatic projects for the Waste to Energy industry
• Mutual support and cooperation in public relations and public affairs

ITAD

Dr Bastian Wens, managing director of ITAD: ‘Our industry has made significant efforts over the past two decades in modernising the waste management infrastructure and increasing recycling and energy outputs, decarbonising our sector by significantly reducing landfilling, and making more waste available as a resource for industry. The next challenge that we – and the industry in Europe as a whole – will face is to make constructive contributions to the further development of the circular economy and to climate protection. In partnership with our Dutch colleagues, we can benefit from the exchange of best practices in our industry and establish the most suitable investment climate to make new steps forward.’ The recently published German Carbon Management Strategy includes the Waste to Energy sector and the promotion of Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture & Utilisation (CCU) with the aim of ensuring Climate Neutrality by 2045.

Wilfred de Jager, director of EEW Energy from Waste Delfzijl, Dr Bastian Wens, managing director of ITAD, and Michiel Timmerije, on behalf of the DWMA Thermal Waste Treatment section and director Energy and Residues at AVR (photo: Henk Riswick Photography, Doesburg)

DWMA

Michiel Timmerije, on behalf of the DWMA Thermal Waste Treatment section and director Energy and Residues at AVR : ‘This German-Dutch partnership strengthens our mutual circular ambitions. Germany and the Netherlands are advanced countries in the field of modern waste management. Sharing lessons learned on the practical implications of EU and national waste management policies in both countries will help us to identify the most successful paths forward. We actively engage with our governments with the aim of remaining resilient and improving our overall performance as a public service. The challenges within the waste management sector are changing continuously. It is a dynamic environment, as the current concerns regarding laughing gas cylinders and plastic recycling show, and continuous dialogue with all stakeholders is necessary. On both sides of the border, we need business models that allow us to achieve operational excellence. We are therefore very positive about this partnership with our German colleagues.’