Distributed Waste to Energy Conversion: A Piece of the DOD's Renewable Energy Puzzle

Abstract : The DoD is the single largest energy consumer in the United States, accounting for over 75% of the U.S. Government's consumption. Providing energy for its extensive physical facility which collectively exceeds 52,000 square miles and 530000 buildings, accounts for approximately 25% of the DoD's annual energy expenditures. Adoption of renewable energy solutions will enable reduction of these costs. Among the myriad of potential energy sources to facilitate the transition from legacy power systems and foreign oil is waste. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is an ever-present burden that, when properly managed, can become a negative-cost fuel. MSW generation at DoD installations is estimated to be on the order of 3000 tons per day, thus representing an abundant alternative fuel source. Introduction of waste to energy conversion systems to DoD installations will not only provide for reduction in reliance on traditional energy sources, but will also reduce the environmental impacts of landfill operations. Infoscitex Corporation has developed a modular, containerized waste-to-energy conversion system (the GEM system) that is well-suited to provide distributed power to installations using local waste and biomass. Under ESTCP funding, Infoscitex is demonstrating the technology at a DoD installation. In addition to providing a summary of the GEM system, this talk will summarize the regulatory hurdles encountered during the process of commissioning the unit at a DoD installation in California.