Morcenx, France: Plans for a 12MW Europlasma facility at Morcenx, France are underway as an “ambitious” development programme following the first instalment of funds from Credit Suisse New York, is announced.
Credit Suisse gave its approval for a quick launch of waste recycling units using the plasma torch gasification procedure, according to Europlasma. Plasma technology has the advantage of nearly doubling the energy production compared to traditional solutions.
Europlasma specialises in high temperature industrial procedures using plasma torch technology, particularly in the sector of renewable energy production from waste or biomass.
The company considers this to be a key move in renewable energy and places the company as a leader in next generation waste conversion technologies. The company considers its experience in Plasma technology puts it in a good position in the renewable energy sector, given its history and operating experience.
The first 12MW production unit should be built in Morcenx, near the INERTAM asbestos vitrification site which is now operating at a profit. This installation is designed to process 130 tonnes of waste per day, diverting waste from landfill or incineration in cement kilns.
This project is for the first new generation WTE unit (Waste To Energy) in France. It combines high performance, low CO2 emissions and very little site coverage. The planning permission and operating authorisation are already in progress with commissioning planned for July 2009.
Europlasma says that the plant's architectural design is from the Buhler Agency and its small footprint (35m x 20m) makes it easier to landscape and hence fit in with its surrounds. The design can also be adapted to any other site.
The Morcenx industrial area will be a unique technological showcase combining the two models based on plasma technology of asbestos vitrification and waste gasification.
Finance
The company has indicated that the plant represents an investment of EUR 25 million financed by Europlasma which Caisse des Depots et Consignations should participate in and also a banking group. The plant does not require any grants and is using EDF regulated purchasing prices to ensure profitability.
Several electricity production projects using waste are currently being researched in the United States and Canada and also in Europe.
Europlasma has been listed on the Euronext Paris Marche Libre since 2001.
Further information
More information on Europlasma can be found at www.europlasma.com .
[This article is adapted from a press release from Prime Newswire with an original source of Europlasma]