Recent upgrades, managed by MHI Environmental & Chemical Engineering (MHIEC), focused on modernizing equipment after over 15 years of service. Key replacements included components for combustion, gas cooling, exhaust treatment, heat recovery, ventilation, and ash handling, as well as electrical systems. A new combustion control system from MHIEC was introduced, achieving stable burning with a reduced air ratio, enhancing efficiency over the previous setup.
The refurbishment exceeded environmental goals, achieving a CO2 reduction rate of 31.86%, well above the initial target of 17.25%. This improvement stemmed from durable feeder and boiler piping upgrades suited for low air ratio operation, a low-temperature denitration catalyst boosting power generation from waste steam, and the use of high-efficiency motors and inverter-based equipment. These combined enhancements optimized overall performance.
The project faced challenges, as upgrades occurred during ongoing waste processing and amid the coronavirus pandemic. Close collaboration with all involved parties and careful planning ensured completion on schedule. The effort reflects MHIEC’s expertise, inherited from MHI in 2008, in designing, operating, and maintaining waste facilities across Japan and beyond.
Eco Clean Plaza Miyazaki’s incinerators remain vital for local waste management, processing materials from multiple regions efficiently. The facility’s power generation supports energy needs without relying on imports, focusing instead on local waste-to-energy conversion. The upgrades extend its operational life, ensuring reliability for years ahead.
MHIEC’s director emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable solutions, stating: “Going forward, the Company will continue proactively proposing solutions for extending the service life of existing waste treatment facilities, coping with global warming, and reducing maintenance, management and other lifecycle costs, to contribute to realization of a carbon neutral society.” This aligns with broader efforts to address environmental challenges through advanced technology.
The refurbished facility in Miyazaki demonstrates a balanced approach to waste handling and energy production. By surpassing CO2 reduction targets, it sets a strong example for similar projects. The integration of modern equipment and control systems ensures long-term stability, benefiting the region’s waste management infrastructure.
Completed in 2025, the refurbishment underscores MHIEC’s capability to deliver complex upgrades under demanding conditions. The Eco Clean Plaza Miyazaki continues to play a key role in managing waste for Miyazaki and its neighboring areas, supporting a cleaner, more efficient future.
