The world’s population generates at least 1 billion tonnes of waste annually, according to the United Nations. Given the the need for sustainable waste management and non-fossil fuel energy solutions, we are hard-pressed to find viable and environmentally sound solutions.

A well-proven solution is waste-to-energy facilities that incinerate waste and recover the energy content of the waste by generating heat and electricity. Ramboll is the globally leading consultant in this field and has 35 ongoing and 70 completed waste-to-energy projects in 28 countries around the world.

In Kristiansand, Norway, Ramboll has provided complete consultancy services for a large-scale waste-to-energy plant for the waste management company Returkraft. Upon completion in 2010, the plant now treats 120,000 tonnes of waste annually from Kristiansand and 20 surrounding municipalities and besides produce 260 GWh district heat and 100 GWh electricity. Along with the construction of the plant the local district heating system is further developed.

This and other projects have put Norway on the world climate map. Norway is the country with the fastest growing district heating sector (in % p.a.) and with the largest share of waste to energy in the district heat production.

Project Planning

Ramboll started the planning of the project in 2005, including an assessment of waste amounts, siting, environmental impact assessment and approvals.

Eight different sites were analysed with respect to traffic, emissions and public acceptance. For the presentation to the authorities and the public Ramboll prepared 3D models showing the plant in different sites.

At the same time, we prepared a project definition intended to form the basis for decisions to be made on the final and optimised technical solutions. The energy optimised solution was based on a limited district heating market, which led to the choice of increasing the electricity production.

In the autumn of 2007 the contracts for the M&E lots were signed. Ramboll were also responsible for the design of civil works and construction management.

The waste-to-energy plant was commissioned spring 2010.

Ramboll was responsible for:

• Approvals and liaison with authorities
• Site assessments
• Project definition brief – preparation of design basis
• Preliminary design of buildings
• Detailed design and contracting of buildings
• Preparation of tender documents, bid evaluation and contract negotiations
• Supervision and construction management
• Coordination of mechanical and electrical supplies and civil works
• Project/contract management
• Commissioning