Emission Standards of Everbright International's Waste-to-energy Projects are Superior to Euro 2000 Standard

16 April 2015, Hong Kong –China Everbright International Limited ("Everbright International" or the "Group") (SEHK: 00257) has developed a business presence in 11 provinces and 53 cities and counties in China and in Germany, with over 110 environmental protection and alternative energy projects since the Group's transformation to the green industry in 2003. As one of the largest investors and operators of waste-to-energy projects in China as well as across Asia, the Group has secured 40 waste-to-energy projects in total, among which, 15 projects are currently under operation with a designed daily household waste processing capacity of 14,550 tonnes. The Group has been committed to maintaining safe production and stable operations in compliance with discharge standards in the production and operation of its waste-to-energy projects. Adhering to the operation philosophy of Integrity, Pragmatism, Efficiency and Innovation, Everbright International has set its Corporate Standard for Pollution Control on the Municipal Solid Waste Incineration, which at a level more stringent than the national standard, to ensure all emissions comply with the national and international standards.

Gas Emission Standard

The gas purification systems in Everbright International's waste-to-energy projects use the advanced gas processing technology of 'SNCR denitrification plus (semi-dry and dry) de-acidification plus activated carbon injection plus bag-type dust remover'. Complying with the Standard for Pollution Control on the Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (GB18485-2001) and the highest international Euro 2000 Standard (DIRECTIVE 2000/76/EC), the systems have a CO emission limit of 50mg/m³ and a dioxin emission limit of 0.1ngTEQ/m³.

In addition, Everbright International engages a third-party monitoring institute to examine the incineration gas twice a year. The government environmental protection departments also conduct spot checks at the Group's various project companies. The results had complied with the Euro 2000 Standard.

Leachate treatment standard

Leachate from Everbright International's waste-to-energy projects undergoes a strict treatment process to reach reusable standards before it is used to replenish circulating water. A small amount of this water is injected into the incinerators. The reverse-osmosis water produced from the leachate treatment complies with water quality standards allowing the use of reused water in open-type recirculating cooling water systems as stipulated in table 1 of The Reuse of Urban Recycling Water – Water Quality Standard for Industrial Uses (GB/T 19923-2005). The treated water can be reused to replenish circulating water for waste-to-energy projects, and the concentrated water can be reused in incineration facilities such as lime mortar equipment. Therefore, waste water is fully recycled after the leachate treatment.

Ash Treatment Standards

Ash is regarded as hazardous waste. In Everbright International's waste-to-energy projects, the incinerated ash is solidified using a chelating agent in order to comply with the Standard for Pollution Control on the Landfill Site of Municipal Solid Waste (GB16889-2008). It is then sent for disposal at a designated area in the landfill site or sent to a hazardous waste landfill for safe disposal in order to prevent secondary pollution.

The Group's project companies engage a third-party monitoring institute to check the moisture content and leaching toxicity of the ash chelating agent on a monthly basis and dioxin levels in the ash chelating agent are checked twice a year. In addition, the government environmental protection departments also appoint a third-party institute to provide the spot checks monthly. The test results had complied with the Standard for Pollution Control on the Landfill Site of Municipal Solid Waste (GB16889-2008).

Incineration residue treatment standard

Incineration residue is regarded as general solid waste and is treated according to the Standard for Pollution Control for the Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (GB18485-2014). Everbright International recycles the residue from the waste-to-energy projects by providing to third party for bricks making. To make the bricks, waste water generated from the pretreatment of incineration residue, as well as from the cleaning of mixing machines and ground, is collected and re-used for production after a precipitation treatment. The remaining incineration residue treatment (including sludge and waste that are not fully incinerated) is sent to landfill, and the waste metal is sold. Waste metal generated from incineration residue account for approximately 5% to 8% of the total residue.

Every project company within Everbright International engages a certified third-party institute to check the ignition loss rate of incineration residue on a monthly basis, to ensure it is not higher than 3% (in comparison with the national standard of 5%). The government's environmental protection departments also have a third-party institute conduct spot check twice every month. External incineration residue plants conduct heavy metal detection tests on the incineration residue that is used for production materials, and manufactured bricks must pass relevant tests and inspections before they can be sold.

Chen Xiaoping, CEO of Everbright International, said "Everbright International has always adhered to the principle of 'An enterprise is not only a creator of wealth, but also the safeguard of environmental and social responsibility'. While ensuring all our business segments are in compliance with stringent emission standards, we strive to increase the transparency of our operations. All emissions related information have been connected with the local environmental protection departments. In addition, we voluntarily open ourselves to inspection by the governments and general public by providing gas emissions information at entrance areas. Going forward, through increasing investment in scientific research and enhancing environmental protection technologies and standards, the Group seeks to maintain strong operational performance that is recognized as the benchmark of the industry. The Group will continue to contribute to the environmental protection development in China, to promote a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, and improve the sustainable development of the society."