Waste CO2 from the LIPOR municipal waste-to-energy plant in Maia, Portugal, will be captured and converted into green synthetic e-fuels for the aviation industry.
An interdisciplinary consortium, consisting of: LIPO (Intermunicipal waste management of Greater Porto), P2X Europe and Veoliasigned a memorandum of understanding on February 17 to launch feasibility studies for the ‘Waste-to-Jet’ project, the first of its kind in Europe.
The CO2 recovery project in the municipal waste-to-energy unit LIPOR involves extracting and purifying the biogenic part of CO2, 60 percent of the emissions generated by combustion.
“This project is a good example of how waste management systems can make a relevant contribution to the decarbonisation of the economy and to carbon neutrality,” said José Manuel Ribeiro, president of LIPOR.
Up to 100,000 tons of biogenic CO2 can be captured and converted into e-fuels and then converted into green synthetic products, namely e-kerosene, e-diesel and chemicals. The carbon capture technology will be integrated with the energy recovery facility, producing near zero or negative CO2 electricity, leading to a better environmental and energy balance of municipal waste recovery.
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The alternative fuel production method, described by the consortium as a ‘real breakthrough’ for the waste-to-energy industry, aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
“Reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions has its own limits, which is why capturing, storing or using these gases is critical to successful global results,” said José de Melo Bandeira, CEO of Veolia Portugal.
“This project is an excellent example of collaboration between different industry players for the ecological transformation, towards innovative and challenging solutions that will set a benchmark and hopefully inspire others to follow.”
Cristoph Weber, CEO of P2X Europe, added that the project will give non-recyclable municipal waste a ‘climate-friendly afterlife’, noting: “The integration of PtL technology into existing WtE plants provides a unique solution for simultaneous decarbonisation. of waste management and air travel.”
