UC-Riverside researchers developing waste conversion system

摘要

University of California-Riverside researchers are developing a waste hydrogasification system from the conversion of agricultural and other wastes into clean energy, The Highlander reported. The system can utilize biomass materials, including garden clippings and animal manure. "This is California technology solving a California problem to eliminate California waste," Joe Norbeck, a UCR emeritus professor and one of the technology's inventors, said. The conversion system is part of an initiative to save money and reduce pollution in the state, which generates about 83 million tonnes of biomass waste annually. This waste is typically burned or sent to landfill, both environmentally hazardous options. While in its initial stages, researchers envision some 32.1 million tonnes of this biomass can be utilized as fuel in waste conversion systems such as the one under development at the University. California's State Alternative Fuels Plan requires California to produce 2.4 billion gallons of alternative transportation fuel equivalent to gasoline. The state currently imports 95 percent of its biofuels.