Waste-to-energy tech burns trash for power, raises environmental concerns

With the planet generating more than 2 billion tons of trash every year, a significant portion of it ends up in landfills or open dumpsites that create environmentally harmful methane gas as they decompose. The emissions generated in this process are comparable to those of the coal mining industry, pollution from which at least is ultimately needed for energy creation, unlike with waste.

However, recent developments in waste-to-energy technology offer a potential solution to mitigate environmental impacts while generating electricity.

On the Isle of Wight, a small island off the coast of southern England, a waste-to-energy plant has been undergoing testing, demonstrating its capacity to produce enough energy to power 7,000 homes for a week by incinerating materials like paper, plastic and wood.

Developers believe this method presents a greener approach to waste disposal by harnessing the heat generated from burning trash to warm water, which then produces steam to turn turbine blades and generate power. This process also significantly reduces the physical space occupied by waste, converting 2,000 pounds of garbage into as little as 300 pounds of ash.

“The Newport plant will allow the Isle of Wight to become even more self-sufficient in terms of waste,” Steve Boswell, operational manager for the Isle of Wight Council’s Environment and Waste division said. “This project will deliver significant environmental benefits to Isle of Wight residents. It is also a localized solution because the energy will be used on the island, and there will be little wastage during the transmission phase.”

While waste-to-energy technology shows promise, it has sparked controversy due to concerns about its environmental impact.

Environmental advocacy groups have accused this energy production method of greenwashing, pointing to the release of toxic chemicals and pollutants during incineration.

Studies indicate that pollution from burning waste can infiltrate local air, water and food supplies, posing health risks to nearby communities.

“Solid waste incineration is often presented as a ‘quick-fix’ solution to reduce rapidly growing waste volumes while producing energy,” the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group said. “However, incineration is among the worst approaches cities can take to achieve both waste reduction and energy goals. It is expensive, inefficient and creates environmental risks.”

Despite these concerns, some researchers argue that waste-to-energy processes, while not entirely green, are comparatively cleaner than obtaining power from coal or oil. However, climate experts caution against investing in infrastructure that produces pollution, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing truly sustainable energy solutions to address climate change effectively.

As testing continues in England to ensure the waste-to-energy facility meets operational standards, similar advancements are underway elsewhere. Developers in Denmark are pioneering systems with emissions primarily composed of water vapor and carbon dioxide, indicating potential improvements in waste-to-energy technology.