How does HPower's Waste-to-Energy process work?
How much waste can HPower handle?
How much electricity does the facility generate?
What kind of waste does HPower process?
Is the process safe?
How many waste-to-energy facilities are currently in operation?
How much does it cost to build a facility like HPower?
Is HPower economically viable? Does HPower receive government grants?
What about HPower's air emission?
Is HPower's ash safe? Can it be reused or recycled?
How does HPower compare to other "Alternative" technologies?
How does HPower's Waste-to-Energy process work? back to top
Using proven, modern technology the HPower facility transforms our island’s waste into a valuable commodity: Clean, renewable electricity.

Trucks deliver municipal solid waste to the facility, where it is mixed and shredded. Magnets are used to remove metals for recycling. The processed waste is fed into a boiler and combusted at extremely high temperatures. Water is then circulated in the boiler tubes and turned into steam. This steam drives a turbine, thereby generating renewable electricity. Through the process, waste volume is reduced by 90 percent, saving precious landfill space. In addition, the facility helps reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels such as oil and coal.
How much waste can HPower handle? back to top
HPower operates at its capacity, processing approximately 2,000 tons of waste per day.
How much electricity does the facility generate? back to top
HPower generates approximately 45 megawatts of environmentally sound electricity, which is enough to power about 45,000 local homes. this helps 0’ahu achieve its goal of becoming more energy self-sufficient.
What kind of waste does HPower process? back to top
Generally, the facility processes household garbage and commercial waste generated on 0'ahu. HPower does not process hazardous waste, medical waste, sewage sludge, or large, bulky items that do not fit into the facility’s shredders--such as mattresses, refrigerators and other furniture.
Is the process safe? back to top
Yes. HPower uses state-of-the-art technology and is safe for the community and HPower employees. In addition to being closely regulated by various local, state and federal agencies, HPower is tested and inspected regularly to ensure that environmental and safety requirements are met.

HPower was proud to be recognized by the American Society of Safety Engineers at the Governor’s Asia-Pacific Safety Conference in 2002 for its outstanding safety programs. The facility also received an award from the Hawai'i Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers for its progressive safety program.
How many waste-to-energy facilities are currently in operation? back to top
In 2000, there were 102 modern waste-to-energy facilities, such as HPower, operating in the United States. Waste-to-Energy facilities processed 14 percent of the nation’s municipal solid waste, serving the disposal needs of more than 37 million people and producing enough electricity for 2.8 million homes. Globally, it is estimated that there are more than 1,000 waste-to-energy facilities in operation.
How much does it cost to build a facility like HPower? back to top
HPower cost $181 million to build in 1985, and equipment has been upgraded over time. It’s estimated that a facility like HPower would cost between $300-$400 million dollars to build today.
Is HPower economically viable? Does HPower receive government grants? back to top
Not only is HPower environmentally friendly, but it also provides 0'ahu with an economically sound alternative to landfills. Costs to operate and maintain the facility are minimized by the revenues earned by the project, including electricity sales and the sale of recycled metals.

HPower does not receive state or federal funding.
What about HPower's air emission? back to top
The waste-to-energy industry is highly regulated, and meets some of the most stringent environmental standards in the world. HPower must meet hundreds of local, state and federal regulations each day. To ensure compliance with clean air mandates, the facility uses modern air pollution control equipment. In addition, emissions data is collected with the facility’s continuous emissions monitoring system and reported regularly to agencies. HPower is also required to have an independent testing company measure emissions each year, which is reported to agencies. In general, facilities like HPower generate energy that replaces electricity produced by older coal or oil burning technologies. As such, HPower and other waste to-energy facilities can actually improve local air quality.
Is HPower's ash safe? Can it be reused or recycled? back to top
Testing required by federal and state regulatory agencies consistently demonstrates that HPower’s ash is safe and poses no threat to the environment. Possible beneficial uses for ash are currently being researched and evaluated. Led by the City and County of Honolulu, one such study is underway at the HPower facility where ash is being tested as a road aggregate.
How does HPower compare to other "Alternative" technologies? back to top
No other technology has demonstrated in commercial applications that it can handle large volumes of municipal solid waste efficiently and cost-effectively.