Energy-from-waste (EfW) operator enfinium has expanded its use of advanced visual artificial intelligence (AI) technology across all its operational facilities. Supplied by German software specialist Wasteer, the system uses cutting-edge analytics to identify non-conforming waste entering the processing facilities. Following installation and machine learning calibration, the technology will help to process waste more efficiently by removing contaminants from the waste feed, preventing avoidable plant downtime and driving greater operational efficiency across its fleet.
The group has successfully piloted Wasteer’s groundbreaking visual AI technology at its Ferrybridge 2 facility in West Yorkshire and Parc Adfer facility in North Wales. At both plants, the system delivered outstanding results in identifying contaminants entering the waste stream and helped to improve overall performance. Following the success of these pilots, Wasteer will also be commissioned to operate at enfinium’s Ferrybridge 1, Kemsley, Kelvin and Skelton Grange facilities, with rollout expected throughout 2026.
The advanced, AI-powered camera technology will automatically analyse incoming waste to detect contaminants (non-conforming waste products) before they cause operational problems. The integrated system will issue real-time alerts and record data on all waste streams, alerting plant staff when non-conforming waste is present and enabling its effective removal and disposal.
The automation is expected to cut plant downtime by up to 30% and increase output by around 2%, delivering measurable performance gains across the fleet. In addition, Wasteer’s systems will generate data insights that can be shared with fuel suppliers, supporting improved contaminant removal before waste reaches site and enhancing waste management efficiency for local communities.
Dr Jane Atkinson CBE, Chief Operating Officer at enfinium said: “The implementation of this technology across enfinium’s EfW fleet is just one of many examples of our continued commitment to innovation and improved performance. The success of both Wasteer pilots at Ferrybridge 2 and Parc Adfer made it an easy decision to roll the technology out across our fleet. The expanded partnership with Wasteer will not only improve our operational efficiency, but ensure that communities local to enfinium benefit from reliable and effective waste management which also supplies homegrown electricity to the national grid”.
Benedict von Spankeren, CEO of Wasteer said: “We are extremely pleased with the expansion of Wasteer technology across all of enfinium’s operational facilities. As our previous pilots have shown, our technology solutions offer a highly productive solution to the issue of non-conforming waste within energy-from-waste facilities with minimal required input from the EfW operator. With the provision of an internet network on-site and electricity, Wasteer takes care of the rest – improving operational efficiency and preventing unwanted downtime. As the world continues to develop innovative AI solutions, we are very happy that enfinium has chosen Wasteer to help to innovate the EfW industry”.
