Calendar of Events

Jun 19, 2013 to Jun 21, 2013 | Munich, Germany
Jun 19, 2013 to Jun 20, 2013 | Las Vegas, Nevada
Jun 25, 2013 to Jun 26, 2013 | New York, NY

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Public Utilities Reports

PUR Guide 2012 Fully Updated Version

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MSW

Reconsidering Waste-to-Energy

Technology and regulation changes the outlook for garbage burners.

Christopher Dann, et al.

Notwithstanding some past difficulties, trash-fired power plants represent an increasingly attractive opportunity for future clean generation investment. Waste fuel offers a green source of baseload power that’s competitive with fossil fuels. The technology is proven and mature, and it enjoys public policy support. Additionally, waste fuel will help utilities meet diversity goals and environmental mandates.

Garbage In, Power Out: How Trash Can Power Ethanol Plants

A win-win situation for the local government, utilities, and industry.

By Gary C. Young, Ph.D., P.E.

Ethanol plants either are operating, under construction, or planned for several areas in the Midwest. These same areas also have municipal solid waste (MSW) produced daily in an existing landfill. In addition, these areas have a need for establishing or extending a landfill.

As an alternative to the existing concept of a landfill, plasma-arc technology has been applied to the treatment of MSW. Known as plasma-arc gasification for the treatment of MSW, this recent development would eliminate or minimize the need for a landfill.