Permitting package for EU funding of Waste Recycling Facility

The client is an international company aiming to contribute to the circular economy. The waste recycling is highly strategic for the EU, acting as a crucial, localized source of raw materials (i.e. lithium, nickel, cobalt) essential for reducing reliance on foreign imports. Since the need to support the re‑industrialization of structurally depressed areas, fostering economic revival, employment, and long‑term territorial resilience, and bolstering the circular economy in Europe, the Client decided to implement a new innovative recycling technology with lower environmental impact. The company engaged TAUW to assist with the application procedure for EU funding and to define a strategy for the subsequent permitting procedures.

Challenge – New methodology, unclear procedures

The client intends to implement a highly innovative waste-recycling procedure. This new process makes it possible to recycle almost all of the materials present in the original product. Most significantly, the process has a low energy demand with far less dependency on contact water and mains electrical supply than conventional solutions. As such, the project strongly aligns with EU Green Deal objectives. However, the EU funding application requires a level of technical and design detail that is difficult to provide at this early stage of development.

Under the objectives set by the Green Deal, waste processing requires a reduction of emissions. However, this is challenging for thermal treatment processes which inherently generate emissions. TAUW was asked to demonstrate how carbon avoidance could offset these emissions. No clearly defined permitting framework exists at national or regional level for this type of installation. TAUW was asked to develop a permitting strategy and prepare the funding application as well as later permitting procedure with the local and regional authorities. Public acceptance was also a key issue due to local resistance to waste treatment facilities.

Solutions – Carbon avoidance and permitting strategy

TAUW advised the client on the carbon avoidance evaluation in line with EU Innovation Fund guidelines and performed the calculations to demonstrate the overall climate benefits of the project.  Our Italian team then developed a permitting strategy and prepared the preliminary strategy. Given the absence of a fixed procedure, we liaised with the competent authorities on the most efficient application procedure. We also held regular meetings with the client to anticipate potential bottlenecks and to evaluate alternative options. At a later stage we will lead the consultation phase with different stakeholders to improve local acceptance.

Partnership – Well-structured proposal

TAUW was selected through a tender procedure based on the quality, structure and competitiveness of our proposal. The client valued TAUW’s experience with thermal treatment installations, combined with our expertise in complex permitting procedures.

Impact – Contribution to circular economy 

This new recycling method has the potential to significantly contribute to circularity by reducing the quantity of hazardous waste while avoiding additional DNSH impacts. As energy demand continues to grow, efficient waste management and innovative recycling solutions are becoming more essential than ever.

We aim to quantify the positive impact of our projects through the project’s handprint. Below, we demonstrate how this project makes sustainability tangible and feasible by using a set of predefined TAUW ESG indicators.

TAUW assessed the potential environmental impact of the waste recycling plant and innovative technology and defines a strategy for a permitting procedure. 

ESG	TAUW’s ESG Indicator	Impact
Environmental	Emission reduction assessment  Resource reduction assessment	2.5 million ton CO2eq/ year  0,1 million ton product/year
Governance	ESG management strategy	Permitting strategy for 103,000 m² redeveloped site with new activities