How enfinium Uses AI to Boost Plant Efficiency

The realms of artificial intelligence (AI) are extending their influence across various industries, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
The energy-from-waste (EfW) industry is not left behind, experiencing significant advancements thanks to AI technologies.
enfinium is collaborating with Cognitive Business, utilising AI to significantly optimise and improve operations.
How advanced AI can support waste-to-energy facilities
enfinium has introduced state-of-the-art AI technologies across its facilities in an innovative partnership with Cognitive Business.
This collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and overall performance of plants.
By leveraging cutting-edge AI, enfinium hopes to optimise and maximise the operational uptime of its waste-to-energy processes.
The potential benefits are vast, touching on increased availability and reliability of the plants, which in turn drives superior operational results.
Technologies like Advanced Pattern Recognition (APR) are at the forefront of this transformation.
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APR analyses large volumes of operational data to preemptively identify potential issues, predict equipment malfunctions and tailor maintenance schedules for optimal impact.
Enfinium's trial of APR technology, conducted across their four facilities, aims at reaping these benefits to streamline and enhance the functionality of their operations.
The implementation of AI is not just about optimising the technical operations. It extends to improving the quality of monitoring processes, where AI-powered computer vision systems identify inconsistencies in waste streams.
This reduces the risk of blockages and unplanned shutdowns, thus maintaining steady and efficient plant operations.
The integration of AI allows for the automation of mundane tasks and offers real-time insights, enabling plant operators to focus on more strategic tasks and decision-making processes.
How AI can redefine the industry
The alliance between enfinium and Cognitive Business showcases a leap forward in applying sophisticated AI and data analytics within waste management.
This venture stands as a testament to the potential of modern technology in revolutionising traditional industries.
Chris Bebbington, Group Head of Asset Management at enfinium, says: “Our aim is to pioneer trailblazing technology in the EfW sector, adopting forward-thinking and innovative solutions that enable us to improve the performance of our day-to-day operations.
“Cognitive Business are industry-leading for advanced analytics and AI and this partnership aligns with our vision to use AI and big data analytics to manage our facilities more effectively.”
The ongoing applications and developments of these technologies promise not only to enhance resource efficiency but also to substantially cut emissions and boost energy production within the EfW facilities.
enfinium’s role in waste-to-energy
enfinium is at the forefront of the waste-to-energy sector in the UK, transforming non-recyclable residential and business waste into heat and partially renewable power.
With statistics showing that the UK recycles about 45% of its waste, enfinium plays a crucial role in the circular economy by diverting waste from landfill, thus generating power for the National Grid.
In light of achieving a more significant environmental impact, enfinium is also expanding its commitment to climate tech.
The company announced investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, enhancing its potential to remove millions of tonnes of CO2 annually, thus significantly reducing its carbon footprint and contributing towards global efforts in combating climate change.
enfinium’s CEO Mike Maudsley says: “Today, enfinium uses waste that cannot be recycled — which would otherwise go to climate damaging landfill — to generate low carbon homegrown energy.
“Installing carbon capture technology will allow us to go further and remove more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.
“Carbon removals is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the waste sector globally. With bold leadership and in partnership with governments we can pioneer a credible and affordable pathway to zero emissions and green growth.”
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