Waste-to-gas technologies have recently received a lot of attention in the waste management and energy industry. The advantages of such a technology need not be mentioned. What we are concerned with right now are the drawbacks that are associated with the industry or so a recent report points out. If these are brought into the picture, would waste-to-gas technologies really be as great an option as they seem? Industry experts have contrasting views when both sides of the coins are evaluated.
As of right now, there are several companies that are working on gasification technologies which turn water into energy or another useful product. One such technology is based on the conversion of unrecyclable components of a junk car into ethanol. If waste is combined in a specific ratio or a certain manner, it can also be turned into gas.
The report does point out that gasification technologies have their significance. After all, it is total waste that is being converted into electricity, methanol, steam, and other useful chemicals through them.
Despite the potential benefits, there are still some flaws that cannot be ignored. The technology which is currently being used in the industry can only convert solid waste. This does not really create much difference because solid waste is produced and present in high quantities. The next drawback is more serious because it can have quite an effect. Most of the waste-to-gas technologies that are being used are not apt for commercial levels and would fail to suffice them. Moreover, the industry has also not developed any sort of standards that can be followed as a benchmark.
Regarding the costs, it is always easier to dump waste into landfills. The costs that are incurred with this technology are way too high, so much that the report does not regard this technology as viable.
As waste-to-gas technologies try to pave their way in the market, costs and production are not the only issues. These technologies produce gas but would the US market be interested in using these technologies? We do not know the answer for sure, but there are cheaper sources of gas available.
Waste management professionals are still confident about gasification technologies. Even though they are aware of both sides of the picture, they still believe that the future will see more of these and the US market will pay attention.
Source: www.wsj.com
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