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Eduardo E
Eduardo Jul 10, 2008 08:32:23
Replying to PMM

We use methane from landfill to produce energy already. I'm not sure why there isn't greater focus on developing it as an energy source. Obviously energy is released through combustion so it's not without its problems, but much cleaner than coal. I'd guess as clean as any natural gas power station.

Similarly enegy from waste (where they just burn rubbish) gets a similar lack of press.

They lack the appeal of full-on renewables because they're connected to smelly decaying & unpleasant rubbish. Which is a shame. I'm sure there's merit in both, particularly if they could be developed as CHP schemes.

M Merrick
Merrick Jul 10, 2008 09:58:38
Replying to Eduardo

Eduardo wrote:
We use methane from landfill to produce energy already. I'm not sure why there isn't greater focus on developing it as an energy source. Obviously energy is released through combustion so it's not without its problems, but much cleaner than coal. I'd guess as clean as any natural gas power station.

Similarly enegy from waste (where they just burn rubbish) gets a similar lack of press.

I think you're right that it's partly because they're not as sexy as other technologies, but we need to remember that they can only ever be a small part of the answer.

Landfill and incineration tap into the enormous quantity of waste we produce; if we're moving to a more sustainable society, we're going to reduce that quantity of waste and so cut down on that fuel source.

But even if it stays at current levels, it's a small amount. It's rather like the way people can be fed from the good food thrown in the bins behind supermarkets, but there certainly isn't enough for everyone.