Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario: Elementa Group Inc. has reached an agreement with the Ontario Power Authority for power from a new, 10 MW, energy-from-waste demonstration project in Sault Ste. Marie, announced January 21 by David Orazietti, the member of the provincial parliament for the area.
“Our government’s landmark renewable energy strategy is leading the way in North America by supporting innovative alternative energy projects throughout the province that support high quality local jobs, reduce pressure on our electricity grid and help to clean the air we breathe,” said Mr. Orazietti. “Elementa’s new waste-to-energy project will further diversify our local economy and strengthens Sault Ste. Marie’s position as a true green energy leader.”
Elementa will operate the new plant designed for converting 50,000 tonnes of post-recycled municipal solid waste using a non-incineration technology, providing further recycling capabilities to the local community. Elementa’s technology uses a unique, patented and proprietary steam reformation chemistry that enables the generation of electricity while providing an alternative to landfilling residual waste streams. Elementa’s technology is expected to surpass air, waste and water regulations prescribed by the MOE.
The Elementa process causes “the complete breakdown of feedstock materials through the application of high-temperature steam in an indirectly heated rotary kiln,” according to the company. In the kiln, the reaction of carbon-based materials with high-temperature steam results in the creation of a syngas primarily comprised of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Municipal solid waste is one of many complex carbon-based feedstocks that the process can use. It can also process sewage sludge, wood and paper waste, agricultural waste and various industrial materials containing carbon.
The main by-product of the process is vitrified inert gravel, free of carbon char, ideal for use in asphalt and cement manufacturing. The company notes that “Small quantities of relatively harmless contaminants in the syngas stream are efficiently scrubbed using conventional technologies.” Once cleaned, the syngas is available for energy and commodity production.