Waste Management for Decarbonization of Major Car Manufacturer
Project Details:
KERAMIDA was hired by a major car manufacturer to develop its biomass-to-energy strategy. KERAMIDA performed an on-site study to determine the most effective processes for the conversion of waste materials generated at the facilities of the car maker into energy or other marketable products while reducing GHG emissions.
The biomass-to-energy technologies assessed were evaluated using the “4E” assessment process to help select the most viable technology with respect to:
Economics (E1)
Energy Efficiency (E2)
Environmental Benefits (E3)
Effectiveness ( E4)
Effectiveness (E4) was determined from a permutation of factors E1, E2, and E3 in combination with selected non-quantifiable factors such as corporate objectives, environmental stewardship, and public relations. The “4E” assessment model helped streamline the selection process for those technologies that have low cost, high efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and superior operational effectiveness.
The three waste-to-energy technologies that reached the final evaluation stage via the “4E” process were: Thermal Gasification, Anaerobic Digestion, and Thermal Oxidation. The “4E” assessment process showed Thermal Gasification to be the most viable technology for this car maker. KERAMIDA’s approach of considering both the non-biomass and biomass waste materials in the waste-to-energy conversion process made the process economically feasible.
Subsequently, KERAMIDA evaluated two options for the use of the Syngas produced by the waste-to-energy process:
Option 1: Meter the Syngas directly into the car maker’s natural gas supply, making up approximately 15% of the company’s natural gas demand.
Option 2: Separate the Hydrogen from the Syngas and use this Hydrogen to fuel the car maker’s next generation of Hydrogen-Fueled vehicles, as a demonstration model.
KERAMIDA proposed that such use of the Syngas would further enhance this car maker’s role as a global leader in waste reduction from its manufacturing operations, while producing renewable energy from waste materials, reducing GHG emissions, and developing a viable fueling infrastructure for the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles.
Related Services:
KERAMIDA offers a wide variety of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) services to clients worldwide, including multi-facility industrial clients, industrial associations, law firms, and state organizations. Our experienced team of GHG experts provide carbon footprint evaluations, GHG inventories, GHG monitoring plans, and training.
