Army Will Use Trash for Fuel

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On The Horizon

Army Will Use Trash for Fuel

Garbage discarded by American troops in Iraq may soon become a major energy source on American bases if two 4-ton biomass refineries designed to turn piles of trash into electricity perform in tests as expected.

Built by defense contractors and Purdue University scientists as part of the Army's push to reduce diesel fuel use in Iraq, each refinery is capable of producing producing enough power to light a small village on a ton of trash, the Associated Press reported.

By replacing diesel power generators, the biomass refineries reduces the need for diesel fuel supply lines which are heavily targeted by insurgents. Army officials also believe their use will free fuel for fighting vehicles like tanks and Humvees.

Before bases begin using the "tactical biorefineries," they must perform well during a six-month test in a combat zone where windblown dust and grit, and120-degree temperatures could cause mechanical failures.

Developers of the technology remain optimistic they will withstand the environmental pressures and are, like us, excited to see them arrive in Baghdad in two months time.

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major electric said:

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April 18, 2008 2:47 PM

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