Human settlements

Renewable energy

Biomass 14: Solid waste energy recycling facility

Renewable Energy Commercialisation in Australia, Australian Greenhouse Office, 2003
NOTE: The status of these projects will have changed since the time of publication, and project contacts may also have changed.

At full capacity, SWERFTM can provide green electricity to 20,000 homes, and at the same time achieve a 90 per cent reduction in waste going to landfill.

In December 1998, Brightstar Environmental, a member of the Energy Developments group of companies, received a $2 million grant under the Renewable Energy Showcase Program. The grant contributed to the design and installation of SWERFTM, the first solid waste and energy recycling facility. SWERFTM was jointly opened in February 2001 by the Hon. Bob Carr, the Premier of NSW, and the Hon. Dr Sharman Stone, Parliamentary Secretary to the Environment and Heritage Minister.

SWERFTM is located at Brightstar Environmental's site in Whytes Gully near Wollongong, New South Wales. The result of 10 years of research and development, the facility converts household organic matter from municipal waste into synthetic fuel gas and then into green electricity. It integrates waste processing, recycling, thermal gasification and power generation in a unique and innovative design. Brightstar Environmental believes that at full capacity, the SWERFTM plant at Whytes Gully can provide electricity for around 20,000 homes, while achieving a 90 per cent reduction in waste going to landfill.

HOW SWERFTM TECHNOLOGY WORKS

The SWERFTM process consists of three integrated components:

  1. Pre-processing of waste

    Pre-processing involves receiving the waste, sterilising it with steam in an autoclave (with heat and pressure) and then mechanically separating it. Steel, aluminium and some rigid plastics are recovered for recycling, and a pulp is produced from the remaining organic material. The pulp is then washed to remove sand and glass, and dried in preparation for gasification. The sand and glass are further processed for use in a number of beneficial applications.

  2. Gasification

    The organic pulp is fed into a high-temperature gasifier that converts the elements to a gaseous compound consisting mainly of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These elements are reformed into a synthesis gas (syngas), which is processed to make a clean, dry fuel gas, suitable for use with a variety of power generation equipment or as a chemical feedstock. This is an environmentally sound and superior alternative to the direct waste combustion used by incinerators.

  3. Electricity generation

    The syngas is used to drive highly efficient internal combustion engines to produce renewable electricity that is supplied to the electricity distribution grid for use in local homes and businesses. The performance of each of these components can be configured to suit the requirements and priorities of local councils and the community.

Despite efforts to recycle, the quantity of waste requiring disposal remains high, with up to 82 per cent of material still being landfilled in Australia, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions and leachate problems. Furthermore, over 90 per cent of our electricity is still being generated by burning coal, and Australian greenhouse gas emissions increased by 17 per cent from 1990 to 1998.

Australia needs to look seriously at alternative energy options. SWERFTM technology presents a major opportunity for our renewable energy and waste management industries to address this need. The SWERFTM technology also has potential for a large overseas market in waste management, renewable energy and the environment.

For more information please contact

Chris Stapleton
Manager, Business Development
Brightstar Environmental
PO Box 535
Richlands QLD 4077
Tel (07) 3275 5600
Email chris.stapleton@brightenv.com
Internet www.brightstarenvironmental.com

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