Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

How does Plasma Gasification’s energy output compare to conventional conversion processes?

A further advantage of the plasma gasification process is its ability to unlock the greatest amount of energy from waste. As compared to landfill gas capture, (where facilities capture landfill methane emissions and combust the gas for energy), the power output from plasma gasification is close to four times greater.

What is the conversion output rate of Municipal Solid Waste?

The conversion of 1,000 tonnes of MSW is equivalent to producing one barrel of oil.

What are environmental operational benefits of a WTE facility?

Operation of a plasma gasification WTE facility avoids:

  1. the release of methane that otherwise would be emitted when trash decomposes in landfills, as well as
  2. the displacement of CO2 that would have been emitted had the electricity been generated from fossil fuels such as coal.

Graph showing the net global climate change emissions measured in Carbon Equivalent Emissions (MTCE) for each of four waste management strategies. When 30% is recycled and 70% landfilled with no gas collection results in a 30,000 increase in MTCE. When 30% is recycled and 70% landfilled with gas collected and flared results in approximately 6,000 increase in MTCE. When 30% is recycled and 70 % landfilled with landfill gas piped to nearby industrial facility and combusted in boiler (displacing fuel oil) results in approximately 1,000 increase in MTCE. And finally, when 30% is recycled and 70% combusted using waste-to-energy facility (generating electricity and recovery metals) results in 30,000 decrease in MTCE.Net Global Climate Change Emissions

What are the advantages of a plasma gasification WTE facility over incineration?

  • Provide a new cost effective means of producing synthesis gas (syngas) and steam to generate electricity and other forms of energy, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Incineration creates bottom ash and fly ash, which is considered a hazardous waste which requires additional treatment or disposal in special landfills. The high temperature of the plasma gasification converts all inorganic material to a molten slag which, after cooling, can be used and construction aggregate roadbed material.

Slag for aggregate

What are the advantages of a WTE facility over landfills?

  • Can reclaim land by eliminating or minimizing landfills.
  • Compared to landfills a plasma gasification WTE facility has a smaller greenhouse gas footprint and harmful air emissions are virtually eliminated.
  • Will eliminate the release of methane that would otherwise be emitted when trash decomposes in landfills. According to Environmental Canada, methane is estimated to have a global warming effect 23 times greater than carbon dioxide.