The biogas plant would generate electricity, heat and a fertiliser product for agricultural use. As yet funding has not been agreed for this independent project which would be a further step down Bornholm s road to independence in energy supply. In a move to discourage the washing out of ships tanks and discharging oil and oily water mixtures into the ocean, Bornholm has introduced a rule which entitles every ship longer than 24 metres to free disposal for these wastes. The future A new rule requiring every Bornholm company to provide an annual report of its waste arisings was introduced towards the end of last year to help with planning for future waste disposal needs. There are also proposals to require everyone to join the district heating network.
Recycled wastes are tax free.
These rulings may create some problems for Bofa at their Ronne incineration facility as such a small plant, with relatively tiny quantities of waste, could not efficiently generate electricity as well as feeding hot water to the district heating system. However, effective January 1997 a Danish ban on the landfilling of combustible materials is due to be introduced, with a ban on the landfilling of organics also under discussion. Bofa has ensured that Bornholm is already in a strong position to meet these requirements. In 1996 the County of Bornholm established an International Department to coordinate their expertise and know-how with a view to exchanging information and experience with other islands and comparable regions. This article first appeared in the Warmer Bulletin, No 47, November 1995, published by the World Resource Foundation.