Yesterday, IST Energy released the world’s first compact, mobile waste-to energy system: the GEM (Green Energy Machine). The slick-looking device converts trash into pellets that are in turn converted into electricity and gas heat. 95 percent of daily consumer waste can be dumped into the machine, including paper, plastic, wood, food, and agricultural materials.
Since the GEM is so portable, it is ideal for locations that produce at least two tons of trash daily. A GEM unit that processes three tons of waste daily, for example, can power and heat a 200,000 square foot building containing over 500 people.
The GEM is eight feet high and covers the size of three parking spaces, so it won’t attract undue attention.
IST Energy is currently scheduling customer demonstrations, and initial deliveries will begin this summer. The GEM costs a hefty $850,000, but with a payback period of 3-4 years, it still seems like a no-brainer for large companies.
Photo Credit: IST
Ariel Schwartz was formerly the editor of CleanTechnica and is a contributor at Fast Company, Inhabitat, Triple Pundit, SF Weekly, and NBC Bay Area Online. A graduate of Vassar College, she has previously worked in publishing, organic farming, documentary film, and newspaper journalism. Her interests include permaculture, hiking, skiing, music, relocalization, and cob (the building material). She currently resides in San Francisco, CA.
