Using waste-to-energy to repower utility electrical generating stations

The US Department of Energy in its May 1992 analysis of energy from municipal solid waste (MSW) concluded that as an energy resource, MSW is unique. It can be used to produce energy, displace fossil fuel and improve the environment by reducing the amount of wastes that must be landfilled and by conserving energy and natural resources. In addition, because MSW is considered a renewable biomass fuel, it meets most state public utility commission requirements for alternative fuel usage. Moreover, as a domestic resource, energy dollars and their positive effect on the economy are kept at home. Ogden Projects (Ogden) operates 25 of the more than 140 modern waste-to-energy facilities in the United States today. In fact, because of Ogden's unique ability to closely match utility boiler steam requirements with its proprietary massburn technology, Ogden has emerged as the industry leader in utility repowering using municipal solid waste. Pertinent equipment upgrades designed to provide long-term, reliable electrical generation in full compliance with electrical generation in full compliance with the Clean Air Act Amendments allow the repowered facility to provide the least cost of generation to the utility. Current installations and the benefits of waste-to-energy repowering are described.