Gasification of Edmonton's MSW Residuals

This field test, based on the results of the previous study (GMF 2667), will assess the technical and economical feasibility of using Enerkem’s fluidized bed gasification technology to dispose of the City’s municipal solid waste residuals (the waste remaining after recycling and composting). The process will generate synthetic gas (Syngas), a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, for the production of steam and/or electricity. Gasification pilot trials will be carried out at Enerkem’s Pilot Gasification Facility in Sherbrooke, QC. A critical component of the field test will be the development of detailed cost estimates for the operation of a full-scale facility. The implementation of an advanced thermal recovery system would result in waste processing and disposal becoming a net energy producer and GHG reducer. The GHG emissions reduction potential is estimated at 54,400 tonnes per year and the energy value of the residual waste stream is estimated to have the potential to provide approximately 10 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The thermal treatment of the residuals from composting and materials recovery would also conserve landfill capacity due to the fact that only 10 to 15 per cent of the City’s collected MSW would require landfill disposal after the institution of a gasification process. This would result in an estimated reduction of 67,500 tonnes per year in waste destined for landfill.