Option7 was formed out of the community's search for a sustainable waste solution.

Background

Waste Arisings in the UK

Source: Defra, Waste Strategy for England 2007

What is Option7?

MRF

MRF

MRF

BiomassGasifier

Plasma Arc

syngas

vitrified glass

metals

biomass

non-recyclables

residual waste

recyclates

Higher kerbsite recycling rates with composting and anaerobic digestion, plus treatment of residual waste as follows:

chemicals

Materials Recycling Facilities

MRF

glass

plastics

metals

small textiles

batteries, bulbs and tubes

grit and aggregates

biomass – to gasifier

mixed waste

Benefit: Many materials that would have been burnt can be separated and recycled

Biomass Gasification

Gasifier

biomass

heat

oxygen

Syngas (CO + H₂)

Syngas Combustion

Combustion Chamber

syngas

oxygen

steamTurbine and Generator

electricity

heat

Ash

flu gases

• Gasification of biomass cleaner than gasification of mixed waste

• Production of syngas which is flexible for future requirements, for electricity and heat, or fuel production

• Biomass a renewable fuel – carbon neutral

•Ability to produce our own biofuel from waste rather than displacing food production in the developing world

•Ability to generate our own power with minimal pollution, displacing fossil fuels from abroad

•Avoidance of landfill for contaminated biomass

Benefits of Biomass Gasification

Plasma Arc

vitrified glass / plasma rock

metals

hydrochloric acid

sodium sulphite

flue filters & ash

Plasma Arc

inorganicnon-recyclables

electricity

• No ash or other non-recyclable materials to landfill

• Production of a useful inert aggregate

• Retrieval of metals from non-recyclable products

• Retrieval of hydrochloric acid and sodium sulphite

Benefits of Plasma Process

Project Timeline

1. March 2011: Feasibility study complete2. End 2011: Planning and permit applications submitted3. End 2012: Planning permission and environmental permit granted4. 2013: Construction begins5. 2015: Plant fully operational

20152014201320112010 2012

1 2 3 4 5

Public Consultation / Involvement

Artist Impression of PREL’s Proposed Energy Park at Peterborough