Energy from Waste

Energy from waste is a renewable energy technology that recovers energy from waste. It is generally acknowledged that three technologies are principally used for mixed municipal waste; direct combustion, pyrolysis and gasification:

Direct combustion is the most commonly used technology. It works by burning waste that cannot be recycled. The combustion process produces high-pressure steam that is converted to electrical power using a turbine and generator. This electricity can be fed into the national grid or supplied to the local community. They can also produce high-pressure hot water or steam that can be used by industry or for domestic heating.
Pyrolysis is the thermal degradation of the waste in the absence of oxygen. This produces a syngas which is then used to generate energy.
Gasification can be seen as being between pyrolysis and direct combustion in that it involves the partial oxidation of the waste, again producing a syngas which is then used to generate energy.

All energy from waste facilities are subject to strictly regulated environmental controls.