Energy from waste - Gasification and pyrolysis

Gasification and pyrolysis are two methods of generating energy from waste. Like incineration, both use thermal (heat) processes to break down the waste. They use less oxygen and are considered more advanced, more efficient, and cleaner than traditional incineration.

Pyrolysis is often an early stage in the gasification process, which involves the thermal decomposition of the fuel source, waste, in the absence of oxygen (or ‘anaerobically’). The aim is to produce a ‘clean’, energy-rich fuel. Gasification exposes the fuel source to heat as well as some oxygen (although less than the traditional incineration method). Pyrolysis and gasification produce ‘syngas’ which consists mainly of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and CO2. This section provides more detailed information about these processes and associated environmental considerations.