Alban Forster speaks with Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, on carbon removals, CCS business models and why EfW could become a net-negative powerhouse

In this episode of the Energy from Waste podcast, host Alban Forster is joined by Mike Maudsley, Chief Executive Officer of enfinium, to explore how carbon capture and carbon removals could reshape the future of EfW in the UK.

Drawing on enfinium’s operational scale and long-term investment outlook, Mike explains why energy from waste is uniquely positioned to deliver negative emissions, how carbon capture can become commercially viable, and why residual waste will remain part of the system even as recycling improves. The conversation also looks beyond CCS alone, examining the role of heat networks, private wire energy solutions, and emerging technologies that could reduce the cost and energy intensity of carbon capture over time.

From infrastructure and policy timelines to carbon pricing, innovation and investment confidence, this episode offers a practical and optimistic view of how EfW can play a leading role in the UK’s net zero transition, not just today, but over the next decade and beyond.

Many of the themes raised in this episode will also be explored in more detail at the Energy from Waste Conference 2026, taking place in London March 4th, where industry leaders will come together to examine the EfW sector.

New EfW Net podcast host Alban Forster speaks with ESA’s Jacob Hayler on the key issues shaping the new 2026 podcast series.

In the first EfW Net podcast of 2026, new host Alban Forster is joined by Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, for a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the Energy from Waste sector. The conversation explores how carbon pricing and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme may influence operational behaviour, the role of policy certainty in driving long-term investment, and the balance between front-end waste decarbonisation and back-end solutions such as carbon capture.

Drawing on the ESA’s perspective across the full waste and recycling value chain, the episode sets the scene for deeper dives in upcoming podcasts, touching on plastics, landfill diversion, regulatory alignment and the practical realities of delivering a circular economy at scale. It offers valuable context for operators, policymakers and investors navigating an increasingly complex transition period for EfW.

Many of the themes raised in this episode will also be explored in more detail at the Energy from Waste Conference 2026, taking place in London March 4th, where industry leaders will come together to examine the EfW sector.

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Energy from Waste Podcast, brought to you by the Energy from Waste Network.

Every couple of episodes, we are joined by a new host and their episode guest. For this episode, our host is Dr. Stephen Wise, Director at Ceres Waste, Renewables, and Environment, and his guest - Jamie Warmington, a waste and resource management specialist with over 14 years’ experience in the waste sector.

In this episode, they explore how new policy, carbon costs and technology are reshaping how we sort waste. From AI-driven sorting to ETS incentives, they unpack what’s next for innovation in the EfW sector.

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Energy from Waste Podcast, brought to you by the Energy from Waste Network.

Every couple of episodes, we are joined by a new host and their episode guest. For this episode, our host is Dr. Stephen Wise, Director at Ceres Waste, Renewables, and Environment, and his guest - Philip New, Non Executive Director at Norsk Hydro ASA, Renew Energy Global plc, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures SL.

In this episode, they discuss where traditional EfW sits within the changing landscape of new technologies.

About Stephen and Philip

Dr Stephen Wise has more than 20 years of experience with over 20 years’ experience within the renewable energy, waste, natural resources, and environment sector. Experience combines a strong technical, commercial, and operational background at Board and senior level, with extensive experience of working for contractors, developers, consultants, technical advisors, financial advisors, and legal advisors in the UK and internationally in both the private and public sectors. Stephen is an active member within the sectors – Board member and industrial advisor to the Industrial Biotechnology and Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Board member and Chair of the technical committee for the Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland (Cre), Industrial advisor to Cranfield University, and a Fellow of CIWM.

Philip New has spent the last two decades immersed in the energy transition, working as an executive business leader, non-executive company director and senior adviser.

Philip is a Director on the main boards of Norsk Hydro ASA, Renew Energy Global plc and Fotowatio Renewable Venture SLU. A senior fellow of the Mission Possible Partnership, senior adviser with Prysm Global and a fellow of the Energy Institute, he sits on various advisory panels and boards, chaired the UK Government’s EV Energy Taskforce and has advised the UK Government on Sustainable Aviation Fuels policy.

Until June 2022 he was the CEO of Energy Systems Catapult, a UK government supported but independent innovation agency focused on accelerating the transition of the UK energy system, supporting innovation and growth. ESC works closely with industry, investors, government and academia, using sophisticated systems models, market insights and test and demonstration facilities to de-risk and build confidence in policy, investment and business decisions.

Before joining the Catapult in 2015 Philip worked for BP for over 30 years, where he created and launched BP Ultimate in markets around the world and established and led BP’s biofuels and biotechnology portfolio of businesses and technologies before becoming the CEO of BP’s global Alternative Energy unit.

The Energy from Waste Network

The Energy from Waste Network is a digital community connecting experts across the global EfW industry. Sign up today to find the latest news stories, insightful panel discussions and interviews with experts from across the sector.

https://network.efwconference.com/

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Energy from Waste Podcast, brought to you by the Energy from Waste Network.

Every couple of episodes, we are joined by a new host and their episode guest. For this episode, our host is Dr. Stephen Wise, Director at Ceres Waste, Renewables, and Environment, and his guest - Dr. Anna Willetts, Partner at Gunnercooke LLP.

In this episode, they dig a little deeper into the legal landscape surrounding the waste industry, discussing both criminal and civil cases.

About Stephen and Anna

Dr Stephen Wise has more than 20 years of experience with over 20 years’ experience within the renewable energy, waste, natural resources, and environment sector. Experience combines a strong technical, commercial, and operational background at Board and senior level, with extensive experience of working for contractors, developers, consultants, technical advisors, financial advisors, and legal advisors in the UK and internationally in both the private and public sectors. Stephen is an active member within the sectors – Board member and industrial advisor to the Industrial Biotechnology and Innovation Centre (IBioIC), Board member and Chair of the technical committee for the Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Association of Ireland (Cre), Industrial advisor to Cranfield University, and a Fellow of CIWM.

Dr Anna Willetts is a Partner at gunnercooke, an award winning, top 100 UK ”challenger” law firm. Prior to her legal training, she was an environmental consultant advising a range of clients in the waste industry on environmental permitting, hydrogeological risk assessments and EIA. She has a PhD in landfill engineering and am Immediate Past President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).

The Energy from Waste Network

The Energy from Waste Network is a digital community connecting experts across the global EfW industry. Sign up today to find the latest news stories, insightful panel discussions and interviews with experts from across the sector.

https://network.efwconference.com/

Welcome to the third episode of the Energy from Waste Podcast, brought to you by the Energy from Waste Network.

Every couple of episodes, we are joined by a new host and their episode guest. For this episode, our host is SUEZ UK’s Dr Adam Read, and his guest - CEO of enfinium Mike Maudsley.

In this episode, they dig a little deeper into the technical - discussing carbon capture, including:

• enfinium’s CCS projects
• Investment and changing behaviours
• How the technology will benefit industry beyond the waste sector

About Adam and Mike

Dr Adam Read has more than 20 years of experience in the waste sector as an academic, researcher, local authority officer and consultant. He is Chief Sustainability and External Affairs Officer at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK.

Mike Maudsley is the Chief Executive Officer of enfinium, with over 30 years energy sector experience, with senior management and executive roles spanning most technologies including Coal, Gas, Combined Heat and Power, Biomass, Pumped Storage, Hydro, Solar, Wind, Energy from Waste and Desalination Plants.

The Energy from Waste Network

The Energy from Waste Network is a digital community connecting experts across the global EfW industry. Sign up today to find the latest news stories, insightful panel discussions and interviews with experts from across the sector.

https://network.efwconference.com/

Welcome to the second episode of the Energy from Waste Podcast, brought to you by the Energy from Waste Network.

Every couple of episodes, we are joined by a new host and their episode guest. For this episode, our host is SUEZ UK’s Dr Adam Read, and his two guests, Amy Bloom and Molly Bell.

As well as discussing the latest news they discuss the importance of closing the green skills gap, including:

• What green skills are most in demand
• What the sector needs to do to attract more people to its workforce
• How to develop people better once they’re in the sector

About Adam, Amy and Molly

Dr Adam Read has more than 20 years of experience in the waste sector as an academic, researcher, local authority officer and consultant. He is Chief Sustainability and External Affairs Officer at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK.

Amy Bloom currently works as a Technical Plant Engineer for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, supporting the existing resource management infrastructure in the UK and the development of new processes. She is also a CIWM Early Careers Ambassador, advocating for the next generation of Wasters.

Molly Bell is a Process Engineer working in the energy division of SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, supporting sites across the UK to improve performance, solve problems, and drive sustainable change. Alongside her day job, she is a WES Early Career Board Member, IChemE Teesside Vice Chairperson and Girl’s Network Mentor.

The Energy from Waste Network

The Energy from Waste Network is a digital community connecting experts across the global EfW industry. Sign up today to find the latest news stories, insightful panel discussions and interviews with experts from across the sector.

https://network.efwconference.com/

Welcome to the FIRST EVER episode of the Energy from Waste Podcast, brought to you by the Energy from Waste Network.

Every couple of episodes, we are joined by a new host and their episode guest. For this episode, our host is SUEZ recycling and recovery UK’s Dr Adam Read, and his guest is the technical director at SLR Consulting, Paul James.

As well as discussing the latest news, and throwing a few football analogies into the mix, they cover all things capacity, including:

• Growing up in the sector and how the waste sector landscape has changed
• The transitional period of waste infrastructure and policy in the UK
• The importance of having ‘catch-all’ technologies to deal with our waste

About Adam and Paul

Dr Adam Read has more than 20 years’ experience in the waste sector as an academic, researcher, local authority officer and consultant. He is currently Chief Sustainability and External Affairs Officer at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK.

Paul James is Technical Director at SLR Consulting, who provide technical & environmental consulting support to various sectors, including the waste sector for over 25 years. Paul has a diverse background from over 30 years dealing with environment related subjects internationally.

The Energy from Waste Network

The Energy from Waste Network is a digital community connecting experts across the global EfW industry. Sign up today to find the latest news stories, insightful panel discussions and interviews with experts from across the sector.

https://network.efwconference.com/