Energy Recovery from Waste
Globally, waste is a problem. In 2006, it was estimated that over 2.02 billion tons of waste was generated worldwide. Plasma gasification takes this unwanted but abundant resource and turns it into sustainable energy solutions. Regardless of geography—urban, rural, developed or undeveloped—waste is generated every minute of every hour of every day. By recovering energy from waste through plasma gasification, it is possible to reverse the environmentally unfriendly landfill cycle and reduce the impact of leachates and the harmful methane gases released into our air, water and soil.
By thermally treating waste, plasma gasification can create a much needed power source, while reducing the negative footprint landfills leave behind. The European Union is a good example of this practice today. The Landfill Directive enacted in 1999 has marked a decisive shift from landfilling towards the waste hierarchy. After efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle, member nations are increasingly turning to energy recovery from waste to divert waste from landfills to meet their stated landfill reduction targets. This treatment process produces energy, reduces landfilling and provides relief from the release of methane and other greenhouse gases.
Why do it?
It’s economic.
One ton of waste can create between 1 and 1.3 megawatts of power. A facility that treats 750 tonnes per day of municipal waste can provide enough power for up to 40,000 homes. Plasma gasification reduces waste, cuts dependency on fossil fuels and cleans up the planet. Reduce, reuse, recycle and recover our trash — another step towards energy independence.
“Communities with Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities are likely to have higher recycling rates than the national average. Far from competing with recycling, WTE is part of an integrated approach to solid waste management that includes recycling as a core component.” Energy Recovery Council