The Wildfire Energy management team
Traditionally, waste-to-energy solutions were considered feasible only for cities with large populations. Australian startup Wildfire Energy is challenging this notion and revolutionizing the waste-to-energy sector with its advanced gasification technology. The goal is to eradicate landfills in regional towns, cities, and large industrial sites by converting residual wastes into renewable energy and hydrogen.
According to Jamie Roodenrys, General Manager (Strategic Partnerships), “Global solid waste generation exceeds 2 billion tonnes annually, with landfills contributing over 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our solution transforms waste into electricity and hydrogen while achieving net negative carbon emissions.”
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Wildfire Energy, founded by Greg Perkins, Denis Doucet, and Grant Bollaert, has developed modular plants that can efficiently convert biomass and waste into renewable energy products at a low cost. These solutions are ideal for industrial decarbonization and improving waste management in outer urban, regional, and remote communities where landfill is the primary waste disposal method. The technology is also suitable for islands with populations of 10,000 or more facing waste management and high energy cost challenges.
Wildfire Energy emphasizes supporting the waste management hierarchy, prioritizing waste avoidance and minimization. The startup aims to handle only challenging or non-recyclable waste materials to address environmental issues related to waste.
As a winner of Petronas FutureTech 3.0 program, Wildfire Energy is on track to realize its vision by constructing its first full-scale project in Brisbane next year, capable of processing around 45,000 tonnes of waste annually.
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Central to Wildfire Energy’s technology is Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification (MIHG), a process distinct from traditional incineration. By operating in a high-temperature, low-oxygen environment, the technology converts waste into gases, producing synthesis gas with approximately 40% hydrogen content. This breakthrough enables the startup to harness energy from waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or be incinerated.
The gasification process addresses waste management challenges and offers a commercial model that contributes to environmental cleanliness. The energy products generated, including synthesis gas, electricity, hydrogen, and heat, have the potential to decarbonize industries such as energy, waste, and transport. Wildfire is also a pioneer in developing future solutions for converting Waste to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
“We aim to transform waste that would otherwise be disposed of into useful products,” adds Roodenrys.
Additionally, byproducts like slag from inert materials such as aluminum and steel find valuable applications in construction, enhancing the environmental friendliness of the process.
Despite its revolutionary nature, the key question remains: is it cost-effective? Roodenrys claims, “Our innovative gasification technology offers a scalable and economically viable solution. Unlike traditional waste-to-energy models dependent on large populations, Wildfire Energy’s technology thrives in smaller cities and towns.”
The startup is currently in the development stage, operating a 1.5-ton-per-day pilot plant in Brisbane, producing approximately 50kg of FCV spec H2 daily, along with electricity and heat products. The forthcoming full-scale plant in Brisbane, with an estimated cost of US$50 million, is slated to secure 100% funding by May 2024.
Last September, Wildfire Energy partnered with Naturgy Innovahub to enhance its MIHG technology for producing hydrogen from various residual wastes like municipal solid waste and agricultural residues.
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Wildfire Energy’s approach involves a build, own, and operate model for the initial project. Future projects may adopt a build-and-operate transfer model, allowing clients to take ownership after a demonstration period. The ultimate aim is to implement numerous projects globally through technology license agreements with project delivery companies/partners, contributing to a global shift toward sustainable waste management.
As the world faces environmental challenges, Wildfire Energy’s innovative technology offers hope by converting waste into a valuable resource and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
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This article was originally published on January 4, 2024.
The post Wildfire Energy aims to eliminate landfills by turning residual wastes into renewable energy, hydrogen appeared first on e27.