Greentech Lead America: PHG Energy, an energy
conversion technology company, has signed an agreement with the city of
Covington, Tenn, to install a waste to energy system. The system will utilize
PHG’s downdraft biomass gasification equipment and technology to convert a wide
range of waste materials or renewable biomass to a low-emission substitute for
natural gas or other fossil fuels.
PHG system will convert 360 total tons of waste material
the West Tennessee city produces each month. PHG integrates established
commercial technologies into one innovative system that simultaneously
eliminates waste and produces heat that will be used for feedstock drying and
electricity production.
With this implementation, the city can prevent the waste
from landfills and reduce the transportation fee. Construction of the system is
expected to begin in November.
“We want to embrace technology that fits our
situation, and this system lets us turn waste into an opportunity. Working with
PHG is a win-win for Covington. It helps our environment and it helps our city
financially. Simply put, we’re doing the right thing, in the right way, for the
right reason,” said David Gordon, mayor, Covington.
PHG’s technology combines a downdraft gasification system
with thermal oxidation equipment and a 125 kilowatt Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)
power generator to produce electric power.
The waste to
energy system will prevent release of 425 tons of carbon into the
atmosphere each year by reducing energy usage related to waste water treatment,
as well as fossil fuels used in waste disposal transportation.
Total cost of the project is $2.25 million, with $2
million of funding obtained through the Tennessee Municipal Bond fund in the
form of a general obligation bond issue. Covington has been awarded a $250,000
Clean Tennessee Energy Grant from Tennessee Gov for this project.
PHG’s biomass gasification waste-to-energy system will
convert approximately 12 tons of waste per day, primarily composed of woody
biomass, into energy. The use of biosolids from the treatment plant is also being
investigated as a possible fuel for the gasifiers.