JV to convert waste into biofuel

In Japan, Hitachi Zosen has teamed up with the city of Kyoto and Kumamoto University to begin converting municipal waste into ethanol on a trial basis.

The initiative will begin in April 2012, using waste products from households and businesses. The biofuel produced will be used to fuel cars and as boiler fuel for factories.

The process, which involves combining the waste feedstock with water and yeast in a tank, can make up to 60 litres of ethanol in one week from 1 tonne of waste.

Hitachi Zosen will build the facility, while Kumamoto University will supply the yeast needed to ferment the garbage.