MARSS – Material Advanced Recovery Sustainable Systems

Within the MARSS-Project, a demonstration plant (TRL 7) was realised. Therefore, the project team extended the existing mechanical biological drying plant Mertesdorf (Trier) by an innovative treatment plant. The applied, technically viable pre-processing technology developed by the team enables the conversion of residual waste into social relevant valuables. The demo-plant proofs that the biomass feedstock contained in mixed municipal waste (up to 60%) can be successfully enriched and – in the form of a climate-neutral Refused Recovered Biomass Fuel (RRBF) - used as a source of renewable energy.

Derived from the database generated in the project, an inventory of recyclable materials contained in the waste is established. Based thereon, a life cycle analyses (LCA), which quantifies the environmental impact, as well as an evaluation of the socio-economic effects are conducted in order to allow for a holistic assessment of the MARSS Technology. Case studies for different European countries (Italy, Spain, GB, Greece, Czech Republic, Serbia) demonstrate the ecological, economic and social benefit, which is related to the application of the innovative technology in said countries.

An in-depth study considers the potential of the RRBF biomass energy for the city of Naples. Thereby, the option is investigated to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and thus the carbon footprint of European cities while at the same time minimizing the waste management costs.

For further information, please see the Website of the MARSS-Project.