Trash Power

Portable power from trash

AgriPower has developed a "virtual landfill" system that can produce electricity and heat by burning anything from nuts to old tires.

Photo: Energizing trash

By Martin LaMonica
Staff Writer, CNET News.com

Solar energy isn't the only renewable resource: there's also garbage.

A company called AgriPower will begin production next year of a movable power generator fueled by a wide range of waste products, from walnut shells to discarded tires.

Although solar and wind energy are the best-known renewable energies, generating power from biomass is getting a closer look, as societies try to diversify their fuel sources.

AgriPower's combined heat and power system was originally envisioned for developing countries that could burn agricultural wastes to make electricity and heat.

The multi-piece unit includes a large feed hopper that holds 5 tons of material, and a high-temperature incinerator that vaporizes biomass as it comes in. The resulting heat can be used to turn a turbine to make 300 kilowatts of electricity. The heat can also be used to power other processes like heating.