On July 9th, a special lecture on municipal solid waste disposal and energy recovery was given by Hitachi Zosen Corporation at APU. Despite the terrible weather brought by an approaching strong typhoon, over 100 students and faculties gathered and listened with great interest.

After a brief introduction about Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Mr. Usutani and Ms. Sakamoto gave an excellent presentation in English about the current waste to energy projects of Hitz including the Fujigadani waste disposal center in Beppu. The lecture lasted from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Firstly, Mr. Usutani introduced the waste management in Beppu-Kitsuki-Hayami area, the burnable and unburnable waste treatment process, and business scheme of the disposal center. Then Ms. Sakamoto introduced methane fermentation, the process of producing bio-ethanol from waste and the history of waste management in Japan. After that, Mr. Usutani also mentioned about waste management projects in Asia Pacific region. Finally, intense discussions were conducted with the participators in Q&A session to conclude the successful special lecture.

It is highly appreciated that Hitachi Zosen Corporation provided us such a meaningful special lecture. From the view of APM students, it is a good chance to understand the business opportunities in environmental industry. From the view of APS students, it helps study environmental technologies and waste management through practical cases and data.

Written by FAN, Shuyi, Undergraduate Student of Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Society Seminar.