Rentech said that it will pursue projects in large municipalities to convert garbage that otherwise will be buried at landfills into ultra-clean, biodegradable jet fuel, potentially meeting the needs of local airports and communities.
The firm said that the production of biofuels from municipal solid waste (MSW) using the Rentech Process could have a potentially carbon neutral or even carbon negative footprint while extending the life of existing landfills. These fuels are reportedly cleaner burning and more efficient than petroleum-derived fuels.
Rentech has hired D Edwards, a waste management consulting firm, to assess market opportunities for converting MSW to synthetic biofuels, with a focus on the US state of California. The company has also hired a former World Waste Technology executive to lead the initiative.
Richard Penning, executive vice president of commercial affairs at Rentech, said: We believe our technology’s ability to convert non-food feedstock such as MSW into biofuels provides the aviation industry with an excellent opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint. Large cities with busy airports and decreasing landfill space are ideal areas for us to offer this solution.
