by Brianna Crandall — July 16, 2012—The American Chemistry Council (ACC) recently hosted a forum, “Unlocking the Vast Potential of Energy Recovery,” in which ACC was joined by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and a panel of business leaders and academic experts.
At the event, experts discussed expanded use of energy recovery as an abundant and alternative energy source, policymakers outlined legislative strategies for boosting private sector investments, and industry leaders highlighted the latest emerging trends and technologies for recovering energy from waste.
The energy potential of municipal solid waste is significant and critical to America’s long-term energy future, says ACC. Recent research from Columbia University’s Earth Engineering Center determined that if all the municipal solid waste produced in the United States were diverted from landfills to waste-to-energy facilities, it could produce 162 MWh of electricity, enough to power 16.2 million households every year.
“Energy recovery should be a key component of our nation’s comprehensive energy strategy,” said ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. “We cannot afford to continue to bury this important part of America’s energy future in landfills. Recent innovations and breakthroughs in a range of energy recovery technologies are making that future possible. Non-recycled plastics and other discarded materials can be used to produce electricity, synthetic gas, and solid and liquid fuels to help power America’s homes and businesses.”
The policy forum, which focused on innovative technologies that convert waste into energy, fuels and feedstocks, is the most recent event in ACC’s “From Chemistry to Energy” campaign. ACC advocates for a comprehensive national energy strategy that maximizes all domestic energy resources, with a focus on robust and responsible production of domestic shale gas; improved residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency; and expanded adoption of energy recovery programs. Each will help meet national energy security, economic and environmental goals while also creating value for communities, asserts ACC.
ACC offers an Energy Recovery Fact Sheet for further information on the subject.
