Whilst energy can be derived from waste by burning Landfill gas, there are also alternative methods to generate energy from waste. When waste is incinerated in large amounts, the heat energy can be recycled and used to heat factories, hospitals and other large buildings. Alternatively, the heat can be used to generate electricity. This is done by using the steam created by combustion to drive a steam turbine. Waste-derived fuel can also be burnt in boilers as an alternative to coal.

Any energy that is recovered from biological waste can be regarded as renewable. It comes from plant material (either directly, or in the case of animal waste, paper or card, indirectly). As plants grow they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When biomass is used as fuel, this carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere, making the process carbon neutral.

The plants are built in modules with one or more processing lines in parallel to meet customer's requirements regarding energy production and fuel processing capacity. The energy content of the fuel is converted into electricity and/or heat delivery for local use, e.g. district heating or industrial applications. This low cost and secure source of energy directly replaces fossil fuels and can provide significant savings for local industry improving cost competitiveness.

Linked with modern combustion and steam turbine-generators, gasification is one of the most efficient, environmentally benign means available for producing electricity from various feed stocks. While natural gas combined cycle systems exceed gasification systems in power generating efficiency, the relatively high price and declining availability of domestic natural gas resources make gasification increasingly attractive as a power generation option for power producers.

In the power production process (see simplified diagram below), purified syngas from the gasification side of the plant or "Gasification Island" is supplied to the power side of the plant or "power island." The syngas is mixed with air and ignited to drive the combustion turbine directly in a combined thermal and mechanical process that is converted to electrical power by the generator. The electrical power from the generator then is fed to the electrical grid for distribution.

When combined with an efficient Materials Recycling Facility, the plant can be used as part of an overall integrated waste management strategy. Typical installation offers two standardised single-line plants for low and high calorific waste. JEC Solutions can also offer two standardised double-line plants, with double the capacity of single-line plants.

A single plant module has the following characteristics:

The plant can be built to various configurations with options for high calorific value and mixed waste streams. The modularity of the design facilitates future expansion if and when it is needed without discouraging recycling. Each plant contains certain patented systems, which are manufactured to strict standards by our suppliers under intellectual property agreements. Most other elements are based on standard components purchased from third party suppliers.

• Low and stable carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
• Average NOx emissions are typically 25-39% of the EU limit
• Very low dioxin emissions typically 1% of the EU safe limit
• Low carbon content in the bottom ash (less than 3% TOC)
• Independent leaching tests demonstrate that carbon leaching is only 10% of standard EFW processes
• A local solution offers minimised transportation and therefore reduced emissions from refuse vehicles
• In many cases total emissions from sites using the energy may decrease, improving local air quality
• The building footprint is small and it's overall height low, reducing the visual impact of the plant

• The technology is proven
• The proprietary control system ensures that emissions are consistently low and stable
• Low NOx, CO and TOCs - world-leading combustion efficiency
• No compromise on emissions performance in the event of plant turndown
• No ammonia or urea storage or handling issues
• No de-NOx system is required
• Due to the flexible process, various waste streams can be processed, including Municiple Solid Waste (MSW), residual MSW, SRF/RDF and commercial waste. This flexibility is important as the composition of waste streams will change due to ever-improving recycling rates

• The existing plants operate successfully on a commercial basis
• Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) are issued for the biomass fraction of the waste when the plant produces electricity, enhancing the normal income streams
• Energy recovered from the biomass content is not subject to the Climate Change Levy (CCL)
• Low operating and maintenance costs