Covanta Pittsfield will utilize its Resource Recovery Facility, an energy-from-waste facility located adjacent to Crane & Co for this demonstration project, which has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
The project, which will involve the processing of fibers, a non-hazardous byproduct of the paper-making process, from three beds on the Crane & Co. property to produce energy, is expected to begin operations during the fourth quarter of this year.
If the pilot project yields the planned outcome, Covanta would be able to process approximately 10 gallons of diluted waste fibers into energy every minute, representing about five million gallons annually.
Covanta Energy vice president and regional business manager Stephen Diaz said that the company is excited that MassDEP has approved the project and it can begin work with Crane & Co on this important environmental initiative.
“Working together, in partnership with Crane, we will be utilizing a wasted resource and converting it into much needed renewable energy,” Diaz said.
