Burgeoning Prospects for Waste-to-Energy in the United StatesTed Michaels President Energy Recovery Council March 10, 2010

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

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.

Waste-to-EnergyPlaying a Significant Roll

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

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

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

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

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.

Environmental Performance of Waste-to-EnergyClimate Change

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).

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.

International Perspective

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

Waste-to-Energy AttractivenessFactors that are making local governments look at WTE:Energy PricesMetal RecoveryRenewable incentivesNet-GHG reducerLong-term price stabilityControl over waste stream

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

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.

For More Information:Ted MichaelsPresidentEnergy Recovery Council1730 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Suite 700Washington, DC 20036202-467-6240tmichaels@energyrecoverycouncil.orgwww.energyrecoverycouncil.org