Interview Q&A​

Q1. The Opportunity for Establishing an SRF Plant

Our company has been engaged in sulfuric acid recycling. In 2013, we identified a bottleneck in Taiwan’s industrial development, prompting us to visit Germany to explore new applications. We discovered the potential of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) and began collaborating with cement plants. By 2016, we conducted feasibility studies on domestic equipment and aligned with industry trends by partnering with international companies.

 

Q2. Expectations and New Goals for the SRF Industry

Taiwan currently operates 24 incinerators, and we aim to reduce landfill waste by converting high-calorific, low-pollution waste into a tradable commodity, ultimately transforming “waste” into a valuable resource.

 

Q3. Business Model

We recognize that current government policies do not favor SRF development (incinerators vs. SRF plants). Effective cross-sector communication—among government agencies, private enterprises, and other stakeholders—is crucial to advancing the industry.

 

Q4. Controversies Surrounding SRF

From a public perspective, transparency, openness, and efficiency are key to acceptance. We advocate for public access to facilities at any time. Environmental education should begin at a young age—similar to Finland, where early exposure fosters understanding. Additionally, refined SRF is cleaner than coal due to extensive processing.

 

Q5. Factory Process

• Sampling & Analysis: Assess whether incoming waste is suitable for SRF production.

• Sample Re-examination: Confirm material suitability for SRF.

• Processing (“Tyrannosaurus” System): Waste is stirred, homogenized, crushed, and screened to remove unsuitable materials.

Q6. Emerging Markets and Market Drivers

• The high cost of biomass fuels makes SRF a more viable alternative to fossil fuels.

• SRF offers a cost-effective substitute for coal, enhancing economic benefits.

• High-demand industries: Paper mills and cement manufacturers.

Q7. Ensuring Compliance with Environmental Regulations

• Compliance with EU standards and guidelines, with comprehensive analysis reports.

• Full transparency for end users.

• In Taiwan, particular attention is given to production line configurations and quality analysis, often exceeding local regulatory requirements.

Q8. Maintaining Consistency in Quality and Calorific Value Across Facilities

• Boiler calorific values cannot be perfectly standardized, but efforts are made to minimize deviations.

• To reduce fluctuations, every 1,500 tons of material is classified into quality groups and tested for average calorific value.”

Q9. Promoting Public Awareness of SRF

• Waste-to-fuel conversion is difficult to communicate to the general public.

• Taiwan relies on coal (with high chlorine content) and natural gas, yet criticism of SRF’s chlorine content overlooks coal’s comparable levels.

Q10. Connecting with Finnish Companies and Information Exchange

• Initial contact was made through Google in 2017.

• Korean equipment with a processing capacity of 10 tons per hour was evaluated.

• A visit to a German exhibition revealed the potential of Finnish manufacturers, leading to collaboration with BMH.

• Despite differences in waste composition between Northern Europe and Taiwan, the presence of similar facilities across Asia encouraged partnership.

Q11. SRF’s Contribution to CO₂ Emission Reduction

• Wood and carbon fiber have zero carbon emissions while still providing energy value.

• SRF can achieve a two-thirds reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional fuels.

Q12. Future Plans and Target Collaborations

• Waste sources: Textile factories, plastic manufacturers, and waste-sorting facilities.

• Seeking domestic companies willing to adopt environmentally friendly fuels.

• Supplying SRF fuel to the paper and cement industries.

Q13. Advice for High School Students Interested in the Industry

• Proper waste sorting: Rinse containers and classify waste correctly.

• If you are passionate about making a change, take action with confidence.

Q14. Differences Between Sheet and Granular SRF Products

• Granular SRF: Harder to disrupt the core, leading to lower internal temperatures.

• Sheet-form SRF: Smaller surface area, allowing for instant combustion and reduced dioxin formation.

• Product shape depends on boiler type.

Q15. AI vs. Physical Waste Sorting Methods

• SRF Plants: AI is used for automated feeding and fault detection at the source.

• Other Waste Processing Facilities: AI assists in waste classification and infrared sorting, but requires significantly larger space.

• PVC Screening: High-chlorine materials must be sent to landfills.

• Data Analysis: Continuous evaluation of 400 different material types for improved processing.