Albania Builds on PENETRON for First Waste-to-Energy Plant, Geeks News Desk Jul. 24, 2017
Albania Builds on PENETRON for First Waste-to-Energy Plant in June 2017, inaugurated its first waste-to-energy plant in Elbasan, which will almost eliminate the community’s landfill problem. PENETRON ADMIX was used to treat concrete used for the plant’s below-ground structures.
Located on the Shkumbin River in central Albania, Elbasan is one of the country’s largest cities (population 128,000) and also one of its most polluted. The city’s new waste-to-energy plant uses trash as a fuel for generating power, just as other power plants use coal, oil, or natural gas. The burning trash heats water into steam, which drives a turbine to create electricity. Generally, this process can reduce landfill volumes by up to 90% and will extend the lifespan of Elbasan’s landfill to more than 80 years.
The €26 million ($27.9 million) energy plant will generate 2.85 MW of electricity per hour by incinerating trash; the leftover fly ash and granulate, incidentally, can be used in the production of concrete and asphalt.
“Our admixture provides the new structures at Elbasan permanent protection against concrete deterioration caused by chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycles and corrosion,” adds Theodor Mentzikofakis, General Director of PENETRON Hellas.
The project managers specified PENETRON ADMIX for about 2,000 m3 (2,600 cubic yards) of concrete used for all the new below-ground structures at the Elbasan plant, some extending down to a depth of 8 m (26 feet). Over 1,000 m (3,300 feet) of PENEBAR SW-45 waterstops permanently sealed the construction joints, and topical materials (PENECRETE MORTAR and PENETRON) were applied to eliminate any cracks that developed after curing to waterproof all the basement structures.
“The Elbasan plant is yet another large, successful project in Albania that shows the clear advantages of PENETRON integral crystalline products,” concludes Mr. Mentzikofakis. “Both the customer and our team are happy with the results!”
The PENETRON Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author at the “info@albaniaenergy.org”.
