The Future is Now: From the Landfill to Your Gas Tank (WM)

When people discuss alternative energy, the same possible solutions are constantly discussed - wind, solar, corn-based ethanol, hybrids, natural gas, etc. One viable option that does not receive nearly as much mainstream attention is the process of converting garbage and other kinds of trash into fuel.

That is where a company called InEnTec steps in. This Bend, Oregon-based company specializes in the conversion of waste materials into viable means of energy. Most people understand the basic idea of recycling, but what InEnTec does takes that process to a whole new level.

The company, using its proprietary Plasma Enhanced Melter (PEM), takes any kind of waste and converts it into clean, renewable products such as ethanol, methanol, syngas, hydrogen and synthetic diesel. Such byproducts may be used as liquid transportation fuels. Videos detailing the conversion process can be found here.

Landfills are increasingly becoming more of a worldwide concern, as current disposal sites are overflowing and possible future sites are becoming harder to come by. The world's energy crisis needs no explanation, as we have painted ourselves into a corner due to an overreliance on crude oil and other fossil fuels.

InEnTec solves both of these problems, disposing of waste, while procuring energy sources simultaneously. In a recent interview with Benzinga, InEnTec CEO Karl Schoene described the procedure stating, “InEnTec basically takes what the world does not want, that is, any kind of waste – and we turn it into something the world does want, which is some sort of valuable chemical stream that can be sold as a direct article of commerce or else converted further downstream.”

Another benefit to InEnTec's conversion process is that it does not come with the inherent problems that accompany other energy sources. Procurement of oil and natural gas poses significant environmental risks, while corn-based ethanol leads to spike in food prices for consumers.

Waste conversion comes with none of these risks. It is, in essence, a dream scenario, which is what makes the lack of recognition even more perplexing.

InEnTec is not a new company, as it was founded in 1995 by scientists and engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Battelle. Along the way, it has been perfecting and distributing its technology for commercial use.

One example of InEnTec's recent success is showcased by its Sierra BioFuels project, which is a collaboration between InEnTec and Fulcrum BioEnergy. The plant, located just east of Reno, Nevada, produces 10.5 million gallons of ethanol per year, while processing 90,000 tons of municipal solid waste that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.

Larger corporations are starting to notice InEnTec's success, as the company recently entered into a joint venture with Waste Management (NYSE: WM) in March of 2010. The synergy, referred to as S4 Energy Solutions, allows for InEnTec's PEM technology to be utilized at a major Waste Management landfill in Arlington, Oregon.

Although the technology is extremely exciting, Schoene is quick to dismiss it as the “silver bullet” for the world's energy problems. “What we're seeing going forward –what I see – for the future is an increasingly diverse slate of energy sources,” the CEO asserted.

That is a sentiment that the world needs to embrace. A reliance on any one main source of energy is absurd, and ultimately impractical. There are times when certain energy sources and products will make sense to use, and other times when they will not.

There needs to be flexibility when it comes to energy in order to maintain a healthy overall economy and environment. Innovative companies like InEnTec are helping to provide that flexibility.

The complete interview with Karl Schone, CEO of InEnTec, can be found here.