Matching organisations to the right power from waste solutions

A UK startup uses data and industry connections to identify appropriate pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion solutions for organisations of all sizes

Spotted: Pyrolysis and anaerobic digestion are technologies that have been known about for years. The first converts dry waste, such as non-recyclable plastic, into a liquid or gas, while the second uses bacteria to break down biodegradable material. Both processes can be used to turn waste into a renewable energy source – preventing further landfill and ocean dumping while providing additional revenue for organisations. But the basic technology is not the only factor when it comes to rolling out power from waste. Solutions need to fit the needs of individual organisations, and different parties must come together to create the right partnerships.

UK company Power from Plastic (PfP) is positioning itself as a matchmaker for power from waste projects, bringing together relevant partners, such as waste producers, contractors, energy off-takers, and investors. While PfP uses existing technology, it differentiates itself by its ability to select the technology solution that best meets the needs of the customer. PfP’s founders have extensive industry experience, and the company seeks to leverage connections with innovative technology providers from around the world. The final choice of technology is driven by analysis of waste streams and other customer considerations. This avoids a situation where a customer is shoehorned into a technology application which is either unnecessary or inappropriate.

For most projects, the customer will use the energy generated to power its site or to sell electricity back to the grid. But PfP also seeks innovative ways to combine technologies to provide a bespoke solution. For example, in the case of a farm, anaerobic digestion can be used to generate power, with the leftover material put through another technology to create enhanced organic fertiliser.

Customers will be able to pick and choose from a range of further services provided by PfP, from green power off take, financing, and permitting, to site construction and operation.

“Green power from waste is the perfect renewable solution, sadly provided by many organisations imperfectly,” PfP founding partner, Dermot McKeever told Springwise. “Given the high price of commercial electricity and gas at present, PfP will produce these utilities at a significantly lower price.”

Power from Plastic is currently in the early stages of its development but has outlined a five-year plan to develop its platform and partner with organisations both within Europe and overseas.

Springwise has previously spotted pyrolysis being trialled on a larger scale at the INEOS Grangemouth facility in Scotland. Other recent income from waste solutions include a water-based chemical recycling process from Impact Recycling.

Written By: Matthew Hempstead