The SilvaGas process converts forest residue, municipal solid
waste, agricultural waste and energy crops - collectively called
biomass - into a gas that is directly substitutable for natural
gas.
Historically, biomass gasification technologies have been based
on coal gasification designs. These conventional technologies
do not take advantage of the high chemical reactivity of biomass.
The SilvaGas process, however, was specifically designed
to gasify biomass and utilize the high chemical reactivity of
biomass.
The SilvaGas process features a compact plant footprint. It
is not an incineration or combustion process,but a true advanced
biomass gasification process. The process operates at near atmospheric
pressure without the need for pure oxygen.
Including the elimination of net CO2 additions to the environment,
the SilvaGas process reduces environmental impact by 90% compared
to typical fossil fuel based power plants. It consumes abundant,
unused resources that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills
or consumed in less efficient ways. It also produces energy
from crops that can be cultivated on marginal quality land.
The scientific community recognized the value of the
SilvaGas process in 1998 with the prestigious “R & D 100
Award.” By receiving this honor, the SilvaGas process joins the ranks of other
notable recipients such as the ATM, the fax machine and the
Nicoderm Patch.
Other awards and endorsements of the SilvaGas process include
the State of Vermont Governor’s Award for Excellence in Pollution
Prevention as well as direct support from the President of the
Unites States and the Secretary of Energy.
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