Energy from Waste: Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Energy Needs

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of why Hooker Chemical Company, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, would turn to solid waste as an energy alternative. It presents the considerations in the company's decision to construct a $70 million Energy-From-Waste plant, already well underway at Hooker's Niagara Falls, New York, plant site, with similar plants under study for other Hooker locations. It attempts to illustrate why both Occidental and Hooker are committed to the concept that resource recovery is one of today's practical means of preparing for future energy management.

The paper explains that the Energy-From-Waste alternative was selected for Niagara Falls not as an experiment, but as a viable future energy source based on circumstances relevant to this particular plant site. Operational, financial, technical and corporate considerations are presented in light of Hooker's competitive position in the world chemicals market.

The author does not attempt to establish that Energy-From-Waste is the best of all possible energy alternatives, nor does he ignore some very real problems, including the lack of profitability seen in other similar ventures. Energy-From-Waste, however, is a practical and proven technology that the company feels will grow more attractive and cost-efficient over the years, while traditional fuel costs remain unpredictable. Hooker believes that to do well in the future, industry must plan ahead. The time for active development of energy alternatives is now.