Landfill refuse used to make fuel
Landfill refuse used to make fuel
2008-09-30Newsfeed
Rubbish dumped in landfills can be used to make cheap, green fuel through the use of an innovative new recycling plant, engineers have revealed.
Rubbish dumped in landfills can be used to make cheap, green fuel through the use of an innovative new recycling plant, engineers have revealed.
The unique pressure-cooker technology can turn 85% of household waste into a bio-fuel with half the power of coal, Irish firm the Re3 Group claims.
The firm's chief executive, Professor Debbie Boyd, said the system, known as autoclaving, is a radical and clean alternative to dumping and incineration.
"This world-first technology is the next generation in recycling and recovery," she said. "The process converts waste into an eco-fuel that is a real green energy alternative to fossil fuels.
"It will, therefore, help avoid environmentally damaging emissions and support Ireland in meeting its international climate change obligations."
Professor Boyd claimed that 20 tonnes of waste can be processed in two hours, creating 12 tonnes of biomass fibre which can be used to heat homes and fuel engines.
Two tonnes of the new bio-fuel is said to give the same power as one tonne of coal or three tonnes of wood.
Professor Boyd added that it was impossible to estimate the cost of the biofuel to consumers when the plant opens in the west of Ireland in December but said it would be competitively priced compared with oil and electricity.
Copyright � The Press Association 2008
