Renewable Energy Facility 2
What do I need to know about the Solid Waste Authority’s Renewable Energy Facility 2?
Renewable Energy Facility 2 is the most advanced, efficient, cleanest and greenest waste-to-energy power plant in the world. The primary purpose of the facility is to act as a waste disposal tool that reduces the volume of waste to be disposed of in the landfill, therefore extending the life of the landfill. A significant metals recovery process is part of the plant's operation and ash produced by the facility is beneficially used.
Renewable Energy Facility 2:
- Was the first new waste-to-energy facility built in the United States in 20 years
- Is able to process 3,000 tons of material per day, or one million tons of material per year that was previously being delivered to the landfill directly across the street
- Uses mass burn technology to reduce the volume of waste going into the landfill by more than 90%
- Is able to produce enough energy to supply power to an estimated 40,000 homes, and is sold to Florida Power and Light Company for that purpose
- Will extend the life of the existing landfill to the year 2053
- Incorporates technological advancements in combustion management and air pollution control systems, such as Selective Catalytic Reduction technology for NOx (nitrogen oxides) control:
- NOx emissions are 50% less on an annual limit basis and 67% less on an hourly basis than the Environmental Protections Agency’s (EPA) Maximum Achievable Control Technology standard
- Requires no increase in water consumption on the site above the potable water needed for the restrooms and kitchens, and conserves water through:
- Use of an Air Cooled Condenser
- Harvesting rainwater from the roofs
- Extensive use of recycled wastewater
- Includes a LEED Platinum Education Center incorporating numerous advancements in sustainable building practices