November 17 -- Intrinergy, an alternative-fuel supplier for industrial customers, has been contracted to supply synthesis gas to U.S. Pipe and Foundry Co.'s Bessemer and North Birmingham plants in Alabama. The company will build, own, and operate a state-of-the-art gasification unit at each plant to convert wood waste, shredded plastic automotive parts, and other waste materials into a synthesis gas to be delivered to the foundry operations under a long-term contract. The gas will be used to generate heat, steam, or electricity, in an arrangement the developer calls “an environmentally friendly, less costly alternative to fossil fuels.”

Also, Intrinergy will build, own and operate a materials processing facility at a separate location.

The gasification plants are predicted to reduce U.S. Pipe's use of fossil fuels and vulnerability to natural gas price increases and supply shortages.

John Keppler, CEO of Intrinergy, stated: "This project will bring substantial benefits to U.S. Pipe. In addition, this project springboards Alabama to the fore in using proven technology to help reduce the environmental problems associated with burying waste in landfills.” He called U.S. Pipe is a regional leader and a national model for such programs by industrial operations.