ALBAWABA - In a move that's both environmentally friendly and imaginative, a company is set to harness the energy potential of over 50,000 pumpkins discarded after Halloween. Approximately 22 MWh of renewable energy is expected to be generated from this unconventional source.
Pumpkins become renewable energy sources
According to a report published on futureflow.life, Severn Trent Green Power is preparing to extract renewable energy from the remnants of over 50,000 discarded pumpkins. The company envisions producing approximately 22 MWh of energy by repurposing the pumpkins that are often left unattended after Halloween celebrations.
This substantial energy output could effectively power around 2,000 households for an entire day. Beyond the energy benefits, the diversion of unwanted pumpkins from landfills is essential in curbing the release of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas.
In the United Kingdom, many local councils already have regulations in place for pumpkin disposal, alongside other food waste management policies. Oxfordshire, for example, sees a notable surge in food waste volume during the week following Halloween festivities. Similarly, the Midlands region witnesses a considerable quantity of local authority waste being directed to East and West Birmingham's anaerobic digestion facilities during this period.
Last year, in the immediate aftermath of Halloween, we observed a significant uptick in the tonnage of food waste at our facilities. Interestingly, the majority of this food waste consisted of pumpkins, each weighing an average of 4 kilograms."
This inventive conversion of pumpkins into a renewable energy source underscores the commitment to sustainability while simultaneously addressing waste management challenges. The project aligns with the broader efforts to expand renewable energy sources and minimize environmental impact.
