Energy recovery

NACE v2.1 Code: E38.22

About energy recovery

NACE code 38.22, 'Energy recovery', encompasses the process of extracting energy from waste materials that would otherwise be discarded. This industry plays a crucial role in the broader waste management and recycling ecosystem, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. By converting waste into usable energy sources, such as heat, electricity, or fuel, the energy recovery sector helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimize landfill waste, and mitigate the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Production process

The main production techniques used in the energy recovery industry involve the conversion of waste materials into energy through various thermal, chemical, or biological processes. Common methods include incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. These processes harness the calorific value of the waste to generate heat, steam, or electricity, which can then be utilized for industrial, commercial, or residential purposes.

Production inputs

The primary inputs required for energy recovery operations include a steady supply of waste materials, such as municipal solid waste, industrial waste, or biomass. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized equipment and machinery, including incinerators, boilers, turbines, and waste-to-energy conversion systems. Skilled personnel, such as engineers, technicians, and plant operators, are also essential for the efficient and safe operation of energy recovery facilities.

Production outputs

The main outputs of the energy recovery industry are various forms of energy, including heat, steam, and electricity. These energy products can be used to power industrial processes, heat buildings, or generate electricity for the grid. The energy recovery industry also produces residual materials, such as ash or slag, which may be further processed or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. The outputs of the energy recovery industry can be utilized by a wide range of other NACE codes, including 35.11 (Production of electricity), nc_link(35.30)(Steam and air conditioning supply), and nc_link(38.21)(Treatment and disposal of non-hazardous waste).

Revisions to 38.22

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 38.22. The most recent 2 versions of this code (38.22) is in the NACE v2.1 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 38.22.

Family tree for energy recovery

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/E'>E: WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/E/38'>38: Waste collection, recovery and disposal activities</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/E/38/2'>38.2: Waste recovery</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/E/38/22'>38.22: Energy recovery</a>"]

    C --> E["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/E/38/21'>38.21: Materials recovery</a>"]
C --> F["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/E/38/23'>38.23: Other waste recovery</a>"]

    

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    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
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class C level3
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class E level4
class F level4

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  %% class A level1
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