Raising the temperature

This involves heating the materials to temperatures of up to 800°C in an oxygen-free environment, gasifying the resultant carbon char and passing the emitted gases after oxidation at 1,250°C through a steam boiler to recover energy that can then be used for combined heat and power (CHP).

This process meets the strictest environmental standards, and the power produced is classified as renewable thus attracting Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). Following 10 years of research and development including the construction and operation of a full-scale pilot plant, Compact Power has built a commercial plant in Avonmouth, Bristol, which has been approved by the Environment Agency, and meets IPPC standards.

Compact Power aims to become profitable through building and operating plants, licensing the patented technology worldwide, treating waste, selling renewable energy and forming long-term strategic alliances with key industrial and commercial partners. The company is expecting to benefit from increasing environmental awareness, legislative changes affecting landfill waste and incineration emissions, as well as increasing producer responsibility regulations related to waste.