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The burning of solid urban waste, sludge from water treatment
plants and livestock slurry could generate more than 7 percent
of Spain's electricity needs, according to a new report.
Researchers at the University of Zaragoza say incineration
of these materials has the potential to produce up to 20.95
terawatt hours annually.
In 2008, that would have met 7.2 percent of the nation's
electricity demand, according to the report published in the
journal Renewable Energy.
In addition, burning solid urban waste rather than allowing
it to reach landfill sites could prevent 'pernicious'
impacts, such as the release of methane and other gases into
the atmosphere, researchers said.
"It gives added value to waste, because it can be seen as
a type of fuel with zero cost - or even a negative cost -
if taxes are paid to collect it," said Norberto Fueyo, a researcher
at the university's Fluid Mechanics Group and lead author
of the study.
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