Europe Leads Waste-to-Energy Conversion
Materials and energy are two of the most discussed topics related to sustainability, and their relationship is the subject of increased scrutiny. The first law of thermodynamics, for example, teaches us that energy may not be created nor destroyed, but it may be transformed. The second law reminds us of the irreversible tendency towards entropy in natural processes. As products approach the end of their usable lifecycles, recycling is often promoted as the most viable alternative to conventional disposal. However, advocacy for the conversion of material from waste to energy is on the rise—especially in Europe.
An article published in today’s New York Times compares Denmark’s track record in waste-to-energy conversion to that of the United States. The new Denmark plants are quite sophisticated, transforming a high percentage of local waste into usable power—with dioxin levels lower than household fireplaces. Denmark recaptures energy from the same percentage of its own refuse as the U.S. sends to landfills.
Compared to Europe and Japan, the U.S. is slow to adopt this kind of material-to-energy conversion process. However, one may speculate about the potential for China to implement such strategies at a large scale. Considering China’s rapid growth, this kind of energy source could have an especially significant effect there—as it promises to reduce landfill use, limit carbon emissions, and diminish reliance upon fossil fuels.