In the waste-to-energy plants we recover raw materials and generate energy. The way this works is, in a nutshell, as follows: The residual waste is deposited in a bunker from where cranes distribute it to the incinerators. Between them our facilities in Rozenburg and Duiven have a total of 10 incinerators. The heat from the incinerator fire brings the water in the pipes on the side of the incinerator to the boil, which creates the steam that can be usefully reused.

From steam to district heat

AVR supplies process steam from the boilers to companies in the surrounding area. Most of the remaining steam goes to turbines to generate electricity. The steam we need for district heat is drawn-off from the turbines and used to heat the cool water piped to us from the city. The hot water is then piped back to the city to heat the homes connected to the district heat system. The now once again cool water is piped back to AVR for reheating.

From steam to electricity

The steam created during waste incineration is collected in a steam turbine; a large tunnel containing a shaft fitted with blades. The steam blowing against the blades makes the shaft rotate. The rotation of the shaft generates energy that a generator converts into electricity. We supply this electricity to the Dutch high-voltage electricity network from where your energy supplier takes it to supply power to your home.

Steam to industry

Industrial companies in the surrounding area can also use the steam to make their processes sustainable. They receive the steam directly from us via pipeline networks. What makes this way of delivering the steam so special is that after it has been used the colder steam comes back to AVR for a follow-up process. That’s how we complete the circle!

Bottom ash as a new raw material

Waste that is not combustible remains in the bottom of the incinerator after the incineration process. This material, which we call ‘bottom ash’, is washed and sieved until what we are left with is clean minerals that are used as raw materials for all kinds of construction materials.

Flue gas scrubbing

The incineration process releases various gases. Before these gases leave the chimney they are thoroughly cleaned in the flue gas installations. The gases that leave the chimney are called ‘emissions’. Our emissions are monitored and adjusted continuously 24 hours a day. This enables us to comply with the most stringent European standards. AVR’s activities must not have any adverse effects on the community of which AVR is itself a component.