The Wildfire Energy management team
Traditionally, waste-to-energy solutions were deemed viable only for cities with low populations. Australian startup Wildfire Energy is set to change this perception as well as the waste-to-energy landscape with its cutting-edge gasification technology. The vision is to eliminate landfills by turning residual wastes into renewable energy and hydrogen.
“Global solid waste generation is over 2 billion tonnes annually, and landfills are responsible for over 5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. We offer a solution that converts waste into electricity and hydrogen with net negative carbon emissions,” according to Jamie Roodenrys, General Manager (Strategic Partnerships).
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Founded by Greg Perkins, Denis Doucet, and Grant Bollert, Wildfire Energy has developed modular plants which can be rapidly deployed and used to convert biomass and waste into renewable energy products at low cost. The solutions are suitable for industrial decarbonisation and improving waste management in outer urban, regional and remote communities, where landfill is currently the only option.
Wildfire Energy focuses on recycling a wide array of waste, from plastics and biomass to electronics. The startup aims to salvage materials that are challenging to recycle conventionally, offering a solution to waste-related environmental issues.
Wildfire Energy, a winner of last year’s Petronas FutureTech 3.0 programme, is currently on the cusp of realising its vision; it is gearing up to build its first full-scale project, processing approximately 45,000 tonnes of waste annually in Brisbane next year.
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The heart of Wildfire Energy’s technology lies in Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification (MIHG), a process that diverges from traditional incineration. Operating in a low-energy, low-oxygen state, the technology converts waste back into its constituent gases, producing synthetic gas (syngas) with about 40 per cent hydrogen content. This breakthrough enables the startup to harness energy from waste materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerated.
The gasification process addresses waste management issues and provides a commercial model capable of cleaning the environment. The resulting energy products have the potential to decarbonise industries such as energy, waste, and transport. The main products generated by the process include synthesis gas, electricity, hydrogen, and heat. The synthesis gas, containing about 40 per cent hydrogen, can be utilised to generate electricity, power vehicles, and decarbonise various industries.
“We want to take the waste that otherwise gets dumped in the ground, and we’ll convert that into useful products,” adds Roodenrys.
Additionally, the byproducts, such as slag from inert materials like aluminium and steel, find valuable applications in construction, further adding to the environmentally friendly outcomes of the process.
While the technology seems revolutionary, the key question remains: is it cost-effective? “Our innovative gasification technology presents a scalable and economically viable solution. Unlike traditional waste-to-energy models that require large populations to be economically feasible, Wildfire Energy’s technology thrives in smaller cities and towns,” claims Roodenrys.
The startup is currently in the development stage, operating a pilot plant in Brisbane and collaborating with industry players to analyse outcomes. The upcoming full-scale plant in Brisbane, with a projected cost of US$50 million, is expected to secure 100 per cent funding by May next year.
Last September, Wildfire Energy partnered with Naturgy Innovahub to develop its MIHG technology to produce hydrogen from a range of residual wastes, such as municipal solid waste, and agricultural residues, such as wheat straw.
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Wildfire Energy’s approach involves a build, own, and operate model for the initial project. However, future projects may adopt a build-and-operate transfer model, allowing clients to take ownership after a demonstration period. The ultimate goal is to deliver numerous projects worldwide under license agreements, contributing to a global shift towards sustainable waste management.
As the world grapples with environmental challenges, Wildfire Energy’s innovative technology offers a beacon of hope, transforming waste into a valuable resource and paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
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