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Gasification

Gasification

Gasification turns waste into an energy-rich fuel gas by heating the waste under controlled conditions.  

Gasification involves the conversion of waste in a high temperature (between 400C and 800C), low oxygen environment to produce a synthesis gas (a mixture of methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) and a char residue. 

The synthesis gas can be fed directly into engines to produce electricity, combusted with air to make steam which is then used to produce electricity, or sold as a gas fuel similar to natural gas. 

The gasification process occurs in a gasifier - an enclosed vessel under controlled conditions within a building.

For further details on the gasification process, please download the information sheet below.

Why has gasification been shortlisted as a technology option?

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and capable of diverting around 90% (by volume) of council waste from landfill
  • Produces a marketable product (electricity) and has a high recovery rate of resources. A 90,000 tonnes per annum facility would export an approximate surplus of 7MW, equivalent to powering around 10,500 homes
  • Minimal risk of health consequences
  • Low risk of water pollution
  • Low risk of odours
  • Net energy producer
  • Commercially proven technology used particularly in Norway, Japan and Sweden.

Disadvantages of gasification

  • The overall energy efficiency of the process can be improved if waste heat can be used by other industries or facilties offsite but this is difficult with isolated gasfication facilities
  • Recovery and use of the bottom ash in other applications can be problematic

Examples of gasification facilities

There are a number of companies operating facilities around the world, particularly in Japan and Europe.  For more information click on the links below:

Last modified: 11:23 am Fri, 28th of Sep 2012