December 4, 2006—A large number of projects are now underway throughout the US to convert waste into electricity, according to the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Most projects are using methane generated either by landfills or by anaerobic digesters, devices that use anaerobic bacteria to break down organic substances, explains the EERE.
Two projects take what the EERE says are unique approaches to converting waste to energy. Ameren Corporation’s coal plant in St. Louis, MO, is now blending coal with paint solids waste from a nearby DaimlerChrysler auto plant. The pilot program will burn 1,000 tons of paint solids that otherwise would have gone to a landfill.
Another project, led by Intrinergy, will employ state-of-the-art gasification units to convert wood waste, shredded plastic automotive parts, and other waste into a gas that will fuel two pipe manufacturing plants in Alabama. Intrinergy plans to build and begin operating the two “synthesis gas” units in 2007.
Landfill gas-to-energy efforts are progressing in Alabama, California, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, says the EERE.
