The non-recyclable EfW plant (energy from waste plant) in Leuna commenced operations in 2005. The plant utilises and disposes of industrial, commercial and municipal waste. The opening of a second plant in 2007 raised the capacity to 390,000 tonnes a year. The plants offer reliable, economical disposal for local government in the states of Sachsen-Anhalt, Thüringen and Sachsen, as well as for regional and national business customers.

Grate firing ensures high operating reliability

The energy from waste plant in Leuna is characterised by its high availability. Following delivery by road or rail, the waste is unloaded into the waste bunker. A crane conveys the fuel into the boiler's feed hopper. Via a dosing appliance, the waste is fed onto the combustion grate and automatically burns there once air is added. Following a period of 40 to 70 minutes, all that remains is the grate slag. This is removed and, once cooled, is transported to a treatment plant.

Energy generation and use of residues

The energy harboured by the waste is used to generate steam. This is in turn used to generate electricity with turbines. There is an additional option of feeding process steam into the location's grid. The four-stage flue gas cleaning plant ensures that the harmful substances in the flue gas are reliably minimised. Emissions figures in the chimney are monitored constantly.

The filter dust from the boilers and from flue gas cleaning is temporarily stored in silos. Following special treatment, it is used as a material for mining and landfill site redevelopment. The treated slag is used as insulation and backfill in road construction.

Facts and figures

Types of waste:

• Non-hazardous agricultural, research, industrial and commercial waste
• Mixed municipal waste and bulky waste
• Waste from thermal processes
• Packaging and plastic waste not suitable for other use
• Construction and demolition waste
• Waste from waste and wastewater treatment plants