Power Generation from Food Waste in Tokyo

An experimental power generation project using methane gas produced from supermarket and hotel food wastes is now under way in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The project was launched in compliance with the Food Recycling Law enacted in 2001, which stipulates that food wastes be recycled. The fossil fuel-free power generation system is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Exy Corp., an environmental services company, set up specially designed trash tanks at three hotels and supermarkets in Tokyo. After the food wastes are crushed and liquefied, they are transported to Exy's power generation center and fermented in a tank for one month. About sixty percent of the methane gas produced is recovered to generate power using a gas turbine.

If the number of participating companies increases to fifteen, about 720 kW could be produced from the resulting 4.5 tons of daily food wastes (equivalent to 70 households with four family members). The electricity generated would be used at the center and could also be used in case of an emergency in the area.



Posted: 2002/08/24 12:09:22 PM
Japanese version