first published week of: 12/21/2015
Connecticut's trash-to-energy agency is seeking a 21st-century makeover for its Hartford plant as it grapples with shifting recyclable and energy markets that undercut its finances.
More than a decade after its predecessor agency lost $200 million in a deal with bankrupt energy giant Enron, the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority, which handles trash from more than 50 municipalities, is looking to hire a company to redevelop the waste-to-energy plant in Hartford and other facilities.
The goal is to recycle more trash — and burn less — using composting, biological processes to break down biodegradable materials and other technologies. A new plant is not expected to be built and operating until 2023, said Tom Kirk, the authority's president and chief executive officer. State energy officials do not have a cost estimate.
The Hartford plant, in operation since 1988, is "long in the tooth" and nearing the end of its design life, he said. continued…