CRRA Trash-to-Energy Plant Sets Performance Record

Plant Operator, NAES Corp., Reaches Efficiency Heights Just Seven Months on the Job

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority trash-to-energy plant had its most efficient month since it became fully operational in October 1988.

The waste processing facility (WPF), which turns trash from 68 cities and towns into fuel used to generate electricity, processed 100.02 tons per run hour in July, its most efficient month ever.

This achievement occurred just seven months after NAES Corp. began operating the WPF. In December 2010 CRRA awarded NAES a contract to operate the plant, and on Dec. 31, 2011, NAES took over the WPF. On June 1, 2012, NAES assumed operations of the power-generating side of the trash-to-energy facility.

“This efficiency record proves what we’ve been saying for years—that with the proper investments in the plant, the right operating contractor and CRRA management, this facility can efficiently dispose of Connecticut’s waste in an environmentally sound and effective manner,” said Thomas D. Kirk, CRRA president. “This is a testament to the vision of our Board of Directors, the skill and creativity of our engineering team and the NAES employees, many of whom have worked at the plant for decades under the previous contractors.”

Connecticut has six trash-to-energy plants, but unlike the others the Hartford facility uses refuse-derived fuel technology. The WPF screens and shreds trash, turning it into fuel, which is then combusted in the power block facility (PBF) to make steam, and that steam spins turbines in the energy-generating facility (EGF) that make enough electricity to power about 45,000 homes.

Thanks to trash-to-energy Connecticut, unlike most states, puts almost no trash into landfills. “This facility is a vital part of our state’s solid-waste and energy infrastructure, and we’re proud to say it is capable of continuing to play this critical role well into the future,” Kirk said.

The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority is a quasi-public agency whose mission is to work for – and in – the best interests of the municipalities of the state of Connecticut. CRRA’s board of directors and management team develop and implement environmentally sound solutions and best practices for solid waste disposal and recycling management on behalf of municipalities. CRRA serves 94 Connecticut cities and towns. CRRA also runs award-winning sustainability education programs through the Trash Museum in Hartford. Computer users can also discuss CRRA at its blog.

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