The plasco conversion sysTem The plasco conversion

The plasco conversion system
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The Plasco Conversion System
About PlascoEnergy
PlascoEnergy is an environmentally focused waste conversion company. The Plasco Conversion System
converts solid waste into an energy rich synthetic gas (syngas) and other valuable products. The syngas
is produced with no air emissions. A 200 tonne per day (TPD) - 75,000 tonne per year (TPY) – facility
One tonne of MSW results in the
following saleable products:
can generate approximately 10.6 MW net of green electricity. More than 99.8% of the waste processed
SYNTHESIS GAS
12,273 MJ*
(1.2MWh of Power)
is converted into syngas and other marketable products.
PlascoEnergy’s build, own, and operate business model ensures there are no capital costs for the
community. PlascoEnergy takes all financial responsibility and risk with respect to the construction,
POTABLE QUALITY WATER
300 L
commissioning, and on-going operations of the facility.
A 200 TPD facility consists of two 100 TPD strings which are assembled in the Plasco Manufacturing
COMMERCIAL SALT
5 - 10 kg
and Assembly Plant (PMAP). The PMAP enables Plasco to achieve fast commissioning times and
superior quality and consistency in plant construction. A commercial facility can be operating at full
capacity approximately 15 months after all permits have been obtained. While current applications
RECYCLABLE METALS
7 - 15 kg
focus on converting municipal solid waste, future applications could include converting biomass or
biosolids.
SLAG
(CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATE)
150 kg
A 100 TPD commercial-scale demonstration facility has been built and is in operation in Ottawa,
Canada, and it is converting Ottawa municipal solid waste into clean gas that operates engines to
produce electricity. Discussions for commercial facilities are in progress in Canada, the United States,
the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Asia, and Mexico.
SULFUR
(AGRICULTURAL FERTILIZER)
5 kg
*Based on typical Canadian municipal solid waste with a gross
calorific value of 16,500 MJ/T.
Complete Recycling
The Plasco Conversion System converts more than 99.8% of the waste it processes into marketable
products. The Plasco Conversion System uses recovered heat to gasify the waste and plasma arc
technology to refine the gaseous product into a clean, consistent, syngas. Our syngas is a quality fuel
source that can be used to power internal combustion engines to produce electricity. The process
also yields other valuable products including construction aggregate, commercial salt, agricultural
sulfur and potable quality water.
Conversion Efficiency
Yesterday...
TODAY
The Plasco Conversion System
THE PROPOSAL
A ZERO COST WASTE CONVERSION FACILITY
Your Community provides…
A suitable site of 2 hectares
A 200 TPD supply of waste
Support for permitting and power contract negotiations
We will provide …
A cost-effective, expandable waste management solution
that will divert 200 TPD from landfills
>99% diversion from landfill
> 35 full time jobs
More than 10 MW of distributed base load clean power
An architectural icon designed by Douglas Cardinal that
fits seamlessly into its surroundings
COMMUNITY BENEFITS:
A cost-effective green alternative technology to landfill
with NO capital investment from the community
Diverting 200 TPD of waste from landfill or incineration
An operational facility within 15 months of acquiring
permits, with no operating risks to the community
A conversion facility that will show the world how to
become clean and green
Green power to replace fossil fuel power generation
A tipping fee that is competitive and predictable for 20 years
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4
The Plasco Conversion System
Complete Recycling
> 99% diversion from landfill
Materials recovered from 1 tonne of waste:
Aggregate: 150 kg/T
Metals: 7 – 15 kg/T
Salt: 5 – 10 kg/T
Sulphur: 5 kg/T
Potable Quality Water: 300L
Net power of 1.2 MWh/T
Environmental Excellence
No emissions from waste conversion to syngas
Ultra-low engine exhaust emissions
No water consumption
No wastewater discharge requiring treatment
Reduced trucking distance of waste
THE PLASCO ADVANTAGE
Milestones for Commercial Sized
Demonstration Facility
Technical Experience
September 2006: Groundbreaking
Operational data for easy permitting
Investors with assets
June 2007 (9 months): Construction completed
20+ years of experience
managed > $500B
January 2008 (16 months): Facility first processes MSW
Patented technology in 14 countries
February 2008 (17 months): First sale of electricity
No scale-up risk, modular expansion
Investor
Backing
The Plasco Conversion System
Simplified Flow Diagram
Design Specifications for a Typical 200 TPD PlascoEnergy Facility
Refining
Chamber
MSW
Shredding /
Metals Recovery
Conversion
Chamber
POTABLE
QUALITY WATER
Gas Cleaning/
Cooling
Syngas
Product
Storage
Carbon
Recovery
Vessel
RECYCLABLE
METALS
POWER
COMMERCIAL SALT
AGGREGATE
PRODUCT
SULPHUR
AGRICULTURAL
FERTILIZER
Parameter
Amount
Units
Gross Energy Produced
Net Energy Exported
Construction Aggregate for sale
Commercial Salt for sale
Sulphur for sale
Potable Quality Water
Recyclable Metals
Heavy Metals and Particulate*
13.5
10.6
30,000
1,000 - 2,000
1,000
60,000
1,400 - 3,000
260
MW
MW
kg/d
kg/d
kg/d
L/d
kg/d
kg/d
* These heavy metals are due to improper disposal of hazardous waste,
such as batteries, by the public and not due to the Plasco Conversion
System.
** Based on a calorific value of 16,500MJ/T of MSW
The Process
PlascoEnergy’s patented process technology allows it to achieve the highest energy yield of any waste conversion technology presently being used
at a commercial-scale. PlascoEnergy has invented, developed and patented a process using plasma arc technology for the conversion of waste
material into a synthetic fuel gas, or “syngas”, and other valuable products. The conversion of waste represents a 99.8% diversion from landfill
with NO air emissions during the conversion of the waste to syngas. The synthetic fuel gas is used to run internal combustion engines to produce
electricity, with recovered heat used to operate combined cycle generation.
The Plasco Conversion System has been perfected through many years of focused research in conjunction with and supported by the Canadian
National Research Council (NRC) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE).
The waste conversion process begins with MSW being trucked to the facility and dumped on the tip floor of the MSW storage building. Large
metal objects and materials with high reclamation value are removed from the waste stream and collected for recycling. Once these high value
products are removed, the MSW is shredded and any remaining ferrous materials are removed magnetically and sent for recycling. Though
sorting is not required, PlascoEnergy will work with the community to achieve its recycling goals. Current and future recycling programs
initiated by the community have the full support of PlascoEnergy.
The MSW stream enters the conversion chamber where the material is gasified using recovered process heat. The crude gas flows to the
refinement chamber where plasma torches are used to refine the gas into a cleaner, lighter syngas. Process air combined with the catalytic
properties and heat associated with plasma torches are used to break all long chain hydrocarbons, leaving an energetic synthetic fuel gas.
The solid residue from the gasification chamber is sent to a separate high temperature Carbon Recovery Vessel (CRV) equipped with a plasma
torch where the solids are melted. Plasma heat is used to stabilize the solids by driving off any remaining volatile compounds. Any volatilized gas is
passed through several cleaning steps before being combined with the main syngas stream. From the CRV, the liquid slag pours into a water bath
where rapid cooling creates small slag pellets. This vitrified residue is an inert, clean aggregate product. Leachability tests have been conducted on
slag emerging from the process and have confirmed that the slag does not leach and is non-toxic.
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The Plasco Conversion System
The Process Continued
Now refined, the syngas is sent through a Gas Quality Control Suite to recover sulphur, remove acid gases and segregate heavy metals found in the
waste stream. The result is a clean, energetic syngas created from the conversion of waste with NO air emissions.
The synthetic gas is used to fuel internal combustion engines that generate electricity. Waste heat recovered from the engines is combined with
waste heat recovered from cooling the syngas in a Heat Recovery Steam Generation (HRSG) unit to produce steam. The steam can either be
used to generate additional electricity using a turbine (combined cycle generation, 10.6 MW net of green power), or it can be used for industrial
processes or district heating (cogeneration, 8.3 MW of electricity and 11.4 MW of heat).
The above process is continuously monitored by a proprietary control system that ensures sufficient syngas stability to fuel internal combustion
engines regardless of the variations in the energy content of the MSW. One way this is achieved is through the use of a secondary waste stream
called Consistent Carbon Feed (CCF); CCF is comprised of waste that has consistent energy content. Based on the operation of the Trail Road
facility, CCF accounts for approximately 0-3% of the waste in our process. The Plasco Conversion System is the only waste conversion
technology that can generate more than a megawatt-hour of net power per tonne of waste processed.
100
TONNES PER DAY
Power generated locally and used
locally
Trail Road Facility in Ottawa, Ontario
The Plasco Conversion System
Environmental Performance
There are no air emissions during the conversion of MSW to syngas. In a PlascoEnergy facility all air emissions are associated with engine
exhausts. Below are PlascoEnergy’s emission profiles for the production of electricity. The ‘PlascoEnergy Regulation Limit’ column represents
the emission limits that PlascoEnergy proposes to be regulated against regardless of whether a jurisdiction has less strict standards . The
‘PlascoEnergy Target’ column illustrates the limits PlascoEnergy is committed to meet or work towards.
Excellent Performance against the Toughest Regulations
Parameter
Units
Ontario
California
EU
PlascoEnergy
Regulated Limit
PlascoEnergy Target
Particulate Matter
Organic Matter
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
NOx expressed as NO2
Mercury (Hg)
Cadmium (Cd)
Lead
Dioxins and furans
mg/m3
mg/m3
mg/m3
mg/m3
mg/m3
mg/m3
mg/m3
mg/m3
ng/m3
12
49
19
37
207
0.020
0.014
0.142
0.040
14
27
56
202
0.035
0.007
0.098
9
9
9
9
46
183
0.046
0.046
0.9
9
9
9
37
13
0.005
0.007
0.02
0.01
3
7
2
11
9
0.0005
0.001
0.012
0
Values are at 101.3 kPa, 11% O2 and 250C
The PlascoEnergy Guarantee
If we fail to meet the PlascoEnergy Regulated Limit we will:
remove the plant at no cost and return the land to its original state,
end the supply agreement without penalty
Reduced Green House Gases
Greenhouse Gas Reductions per Tonne of Waste
With the Plasco Conversion System, waste is not buried in a landfill.
This ensures harmful methane gases are not released into the
in a given area rather than one larger facility. This allows facilities
to better serve their neighbourhoods and minimizes truck traffic _
a major contributor to global warming, poor air quality, and road
congestion. It also means that the power produced can be sent to the
local distribution grid. This eliminates transmission losses and with
multiple sites in operation, reduces the likelihood of widespread power
outages. Power from a PlascoEnergy facility also displaces other power
sources that have higher greenhouse gas intensity such as coal or LNG.
1.5
GHGs (CO2e per tonne of waste)
atmosphere. Further, PlascoEnergy envisions multiple small facilities
1.0
0.5
0.0
-0.5
0.6
+
+
=
-1.0
-1.5
-2.0
-2.5
-1.5
-1.2
-2.1
Power + Avoided + Displaced = Total GHG
Production Methane
Coal Power
Emissions
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The Plasco Conversion System
>99% Diversion from Landfill
Less than 1.3 kg per tonne of MSW converted will require solid waste disposal. This residual waste is the segregated heavy metals, caught by
filter media, due to improper disposal by the public of hazardous waste (ie. batteries). These metals are not created by the Plasco Conversion
System but are captured by the system to permit safe disposal. This material represents a reduction >99% in waste going to disposal and once
segregated by the Plasco Conversion System, can be disposed of safely.
Easy Expansion
Public Consultation
A typical 200 TPD (75,000 TPY) facility is comprised of two 100 TPD
The outreach efforts prior to construction completion will include:
modules. Each module is a repeat of the commercial demonstration
facility that PlascoEnergy designed, constructed and operates in Ottawa,
Public meetings and the creation of a public advisory committee
Canada. Since all facilities are built in modules, there is no scale-
Presentations to community groups
up risk with the PlascoEnergy solution and our facilities are easily
expandable. Therefore, municipalities do not need to speculate about
waste generation trends in the future to ensure adequate capacity is built
beforehand.
Social Acceptance / Community Values
An informative website with opportunities for public questions and
answers
Public commitments to exceed environmental standards
The best monitoring equipment possible
Reporting results publicly
PlascoEnergy recognizes the importance of being a good neighbour and
citizen. It takes more than technical proficiency to run a successful project.
Success also depends on understanding the local communities in which we
work, communicating openly and designing attractive sites. PlascoEnergy
worked closely with communities during the design and construction
of the 100 TPD demonstration facility in Ottawa, Canada. As a result,
PlascoEnergy achieved 95% public approval for its Ottawa
facility. PlascoEnergy conducts on-going market research to help better
understand and improve public perceptions.
Part of the Community
Support for Plasco Concept
Ottawa (n=552)
97%
Toronto (n=649)
98%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Respondents were asked whether they would support the use of plasma
gasification to dispose of garbage if doing so cost each household an extra $5 or
$10 per month. (If dealing with garbage this way instead of putting it in landfills cost
your household the equivalent of $5 or $10 more a month in municipal taxes, would
you strongly support, support, oppose, or strongly oppose the city entering into
contracts to dispose of garbage this way.) (Half the sample was asked the questions
at $5, the other half at $10.)
85% of Ottawa and 87% of Toronto residents support the idea at $5 per month.
Douglas J. Cardinal, a renowned Canadian architect, has been
commissioned to design the site architecture. His unique designs have
earned him some of the most prestigious national and international
awards. Some of his accomplishments include the Museum of Civilization
in Quebec, Canada and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, USA.
A Canadian legend, Douglas Cardinal provides an artistic interpretation
to the facility, making it an architectural asset for its community. In each
community local architectural and engineering firms will be contacted to
participate in the design of the facility.
82% of Ottawa and 86% of Toronto residents support the idea at $10 per month.
P1/Q12. Assuming that this technology to convert garbage into
gas to generate electricity the way it is intended, do you think
the (City of Ottawa/my city) should support and expand the use
of this technology?
The Plasco Conversion System
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10 The Plasco Conversion System
Company Experience / Success
Prompt Delivery and Superior Quality
Management Strength
Control
PlascoEnergy boasts a management team with a track record of
delivering large capital projects on schedule and within budget. From
Our environmental performance enables a streamlined process.
negotiating power pricing for the largest waste-to-energy company in
The PlascoEnergy Manufacturing and Assembly Plant (PMAP) will
the world to facilitating public participation to designing and operating
provide PlascoEnergy with significant advantages for both timely plant
conversion processes, the Executives at PlascoEnergy are not only
installation and commissioning and quality control. First it will allow
experienced, but impressive. The PlascoEnergy Project Finance Group
PlascoEnergy to be operating facilities in approximately 15 months after
has a significant and successful history in raising both construction
all permits are obtained. Second it will allow PlascoEnergy to have
funding and long-term funding for energy related projects around the
superior quality control of the assembling, testing and commission
world. Each of the parties that would be involved in the construction
of each 100 TPD string. Each string will be kitted and ready to go as
of this facility have been intimately involved with the construction and
needed by a customer to provide ease of shipping and installation at the
operation of the Trail Road facility in Ottawa, Canada.
predetermined site.
Proven Credibility
PlascoEnergy has secured the confidence of public stakeholders,
governments, and investors. After its rigorous evaluation and
screening of the technology, Sustainable Development Technology
Canada (SDTC), a federal not-for-profit foundation that supports
clean technologies, committed $9.5 million for the Trail Road facility.
This is the largest contribution ever made by SDTC to any project.
The Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation also provided a
$4 million loan, with forgivable interest for the first four years, for
Groundbreaking - September 19, 2006 (Trail Road, Ottawa, Canada)
the facility. More than $90 million of private equity has been
invested in PlascoEnergy during the past two years.
Project Team
The PlascoEnergy project team combines the technical and operational
management experience of Plasco Energy Group with a proven
construction and project delivery track record. PlascoEnergy has
expertise in project management, engineering design, and operation of
conversion facilities.
Construction Complete - June 2, 2007 (Trail Road, Ottawa, Canada)
The Plasco Conversion System 11
Financial Background
Zero Risk / Revenue Sharing
As a privately held company, PlascoEnergy has been primarily financed
PlascoEnergy can fulfill all financial responsibilities required to
through private equity, attracting investments from major funds and
create a business arrangement with no risk to the community. The
investors with global perspectives and business expertise, including the
community will not be obliged to: commit any debt to the project,
alternative energy sector. Significant funding was necessary and secured
take any operational risk or environmental risk. The company’s
to bring the PlascoEnergy technology to the point of commercialization.
equity investors have brought strong financial resources to the table,
PlascoEnergy was successful in attracting this investment on the strength
facilitating the company’s Finance, Build, Own, and Operate business
of its technology, management team and a business model with attractive
model.
economic returns. PlascoEnergy’s equity investors have brought strong
financial resources to the table allowing the company to provide the
A partnership with PlascoEnergy pays off. PlascoEnergy is committed
project support necessary to implement its Finance, Design, Build, Own
to sharing revenues in excess of contrated amounts. This includes
and Operate strategy. In addition to private equity, the Company attracted
revenues from carbon offsets, sales of commercial products, and clean
significant financial support from Canadian federal and provincial
energy incentives. PlascoEnergy will take all the downside risk and the
governments to assist with the construction of its Ottawa commercial
Community will share in the upside potential.
demonstration plant.
The income earned through PlascoEnergy’s revenue sharing can
“Our investment builds on our knowledge of
the waste to energy business developed through
prior investments and our continued appetite
for economically attractive renewable energy
opportunities”.
- Glenn J. Payne, Director, First Reserve, 2008
be used by the municipality for its priorities, potentially including
support for recycling and public communication/education programs.
We invite you to learn more about
PlascoEnergy by visiting our
operations in Ottawa, Canada.
Plasco Energy Group has raised nearly $100 million in investments
since 2005. In 2007, PlascoEnergy raised $70.5 million in equity. First
Reserve Corporation, the world’s leading private equity firm from
Greenwich, Connecticut invested $56 million in PlascoEnergy common
Conclusion
stock to date. First Reserve allocated an additional $115 million for
investment in PlascoEnergy during 2008 to fund the commercialization
Waste is a resource. PlascoEnergy will work with your community
and construction of facilities that will be owned and operated by
to make sure your resource does not end up in a landfill or an
PlascoEnergy. The California State Teachers’ Retirement System
incinerator. We urge you to contact us to find out more about how
(CalSTRS) and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System
the Plasco Conversion System can help your community meet your
(CalPERS), the two largest public pension funds in the United States,
diversion targets in an environmentally superior and energy efficient
both invested in PlascoEnergy in 2008. Additional major investors
manner.
include Black River Asset Management, an independently managed
subsidiary of Cargill based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Hera Holdings
S.A, the second largest Spanish waste management company, and RAB
Capital of London.
PLASCO ENERGY GROUP
1000 Innovation Drive, Suite 400
Ottawa, ON, CANADA K2K 3E7
t. +1 613-591-9438
plascoenergygroup.com