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Burgeoning Prospects for Waste-to-Energy in the United StatesTed
Michaels President Energy Recovery Council March 10, 2010
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What is Waste-to-Energy? Metal: 50 lbsPower: up to 750 kWhAsh:
10% of original volumeMunicipal Solid Waste 1 tonWaste-to-Energy is
a specially designed energy generation facility that uses household
waste as fuel and helps solve some of societys big challenges
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Converting Waste Into Clean Renewable Power Helps Solve Three of
the Nations Biggest ChallengesGreen Jobs - A new facility creates
$1 Billion of economic activity
Clean, Renewable Energy- 500,000 tons of MSW per year =
400,000,000 kWh
Climate Change- One ton of trash avoids one ton of CO2 eq.
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Waste-to-EnergyPlaying a Significant Roll
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Renewable EnergyU.S. EPA states that Waste-to-Energy produces
electricity with less environmental impact than almost any other
source
25 States and the federal government defined Waste-to-Energy as
renewable
The United States must utilize all renewable sources to reach
its goalsWaste-to-Energy produces up to 750kWh per ton while
landfill gas produces 65 kWh per tonWaste-to-Energy complements
other renewable sources 24 hours per day, 7 days per weekFewer
fossil fuels burned: 1 ton of waste ~ ton of coal or ~1 barrel of
oil
A new 1,500 ton/day facility = 50 MW electricity
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Environmentally Sustainable Waste DisposalEPAs MSW Hierarchy
places Waste-to-Energy above landfill for disposal for
post-recycled waste
Waste-to-Energy reduces Greenhouse gasesEvery ton of waste
processed avoids one ton of CO2 equivalent
Waste-to-Energy reduces the volume of waste by 90%Extends the
life of the landfillsReduces future long haul transportation
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Waste-to-Energy FacilityIN100 cubic yardsof wasteOUT10 cubic
yardsof (inert) ash90% volume reductionReducing the Volume of Waste
& Saving Space in the Landfill while Generating Clean,
Renewable Energy13,000 KWh generated
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Environmental Performance Waste-to-Energy Fact: The performance
of the MACT retrofit has been outstanding. USEPA 8/10/2007
False: The EPA requires incinerators to use the best control
technologies, but unfortunately, the best control technology is a
poor technology and ineffective of removing the toxins from an
incinerators
emissions.http://sierraclubmass.org/issues/conservation/zw/incineration.html
Pollutant1990-2005%
reductionDioxin99Mercury96Cadmium96Lead97Particulate
Matter96HCl94SO288NOx24
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Environmental Performance Waste-to-Energy Climate ChangeFalse:
As a source of energy, burning trash produces more global warming
CO2 than natural gas, oil, or even coal.
http://www.sierraclubmass.org/issues/legislative/incineration.htm
Waste Not, Want NotTed Michaels, Energy Recovery CouncilApril,
2009Fact: The IPCC, in its 2007 4th Assessment Report (Synthesis
Report, Table 4.2), calls waste incineration with energy recovery a
key waste mitigation technology.
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Environmental Performance of Waste-to-EnergyClimate Change
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Waste-to-Energy is Compatible with RecyclingWaste-to-Energy and
recycling are complementary parts of an integrated waste management
program.
2009 report conducted by Eileen Berenyi of Governmental Advisory
Associates
Actual recycling rate of WTE communities (33.2%) is greater than
the national average (28.5% calculated by BioCycle/Columbia
University)
Recycling rates of Massachusetts communities served by
Waste-to-Energy plants are higher than state average (MA DEP
data).
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International PerspectiveEuropeEU Landfill Directive 65%
reduction in landfilling of biodegradable Municipal Solid
WasteCurrently over 400 Waste-to-Energy Facilities2008 study
estimated an additional 100 new facilities by 2012
ChinaTarget 30% Waste-to-Energy by 2030Preferential feed-in
electricity tariff
Kyoto ProtocolRecognizes Waste-to-Energy as an eligible offset
in CDM protocol
Davos ReportThe World Economic ForumIdentifies eight emerging
clean energy sectors including wind, solar and Waste-to-Energy.
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International Perspective
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Legislative RecognitionCongress has provided incentives
waste-to-energy in key ways:
Section 45 Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits Federal
Government Renewable Purchasing Program Congressional proposals to
establish Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Congressional proposals
to establish a cap-and-trade program and hold WTE harmless
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Waste-to-Energy AttractivenessFactors that are making local
governments look at WTE:Energy PricesMetal RecoveryRenewable
incentivesNet-GHG reducerLong-term price stabilityControl over
waste stream
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Waste-to-Energy Growth Opportunities
Greenfield Projects
Frederick County, MDHarford County, MDWest Palm Beach, FLLos
Angeles, CAYork-Durham, ONChester County, SCElbert County,
GACleveland, OHMilwaukee, WITaunton, MAFall River, MA
WTE Expansions
Lee County, FLHillsborough County, FLOlmsted, MNPope-Douglas,
MNHonolulu, HIHempstead, NY
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Summary
Why are the Prospects for WTE Burgeoning in the United
States?
Policymakers are looking for renewable energy sources that
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil
fuels.
Dependable and long-term solutions for municipal solid waste
disposal remains a paramount concern for local governments.
Higher energy revenues, metals recovery, renewable incentives,
and decades of operational efficiency have made waste-to-energy
more cost-competitive.
High price of transportation fuel coupled with increased
distance to new landfills makes landfilling more expensive.
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For More Information:Ted MichaelsPresidentEnergy Recovery
Council1730 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Suite 700Washington, DC
20036202-467-6240tmichaels@energyrecoverycouncil.orgwww.energyrecoverycouncil.org