Our Approach

Flexible Approaches Ranging from Design-Build to Own-Operate.

ZWE follows a cooperative, phased approach to developing its integrated waste processing and energy conversion systems. We tailor to the unique needs and parameters of each customer. This process, which begins upon execution of a formal agreement, provides efficiency and cost savings to projects through a progressive refinement of technical and business issues during each phase to achieve optimal results.

Phase 1: Process Parameters & Conceptual Design

ZWE’s Phase 1 submittal includes development of the project scope, conceptual facility design, estimated timelines, and a preliminary cost estimate for the design and installation of the project. These activities include the following:

• A review of all the performance characteristics of the system and system components:
  • throughput
  • energy consumption
  • production, odor, noise, chemicals and compounds used or created in connection with the system
  • potential outlets for system by-products, including commodities, biogas and compost
• The projected volume of extracted biogas to be achieved by the system, based upon the biogas content of the feedstock
• Estimated timelines for project development and completion by project phase
• A financial model, including capital and operating cost projections for the system, in sufficient detail to formulate business plans and investment analyses
• Assistance in developing internal or public information presentations

The Initial Estimate shall be based on ZWE’s best estimate of all costs of the Project, based on its past experience and projects. Phase 1 Services are generally completed within ninety (90) days of receiving all required customer information.

Phase 2: Project Permitting Support

In Phase 2, ZWE provides its customers with permitting support for system operation (air, water and waste handling) and land use:

• Guidance in completing applications, performing due diligence, and moving through the review process.
• Technical data and descriptive information about the system reasonably necessary as part of the permitting process.
• Meeting attendance and presentations to appropriate permitting and planning agencies.

Phase 3: Front-End Engineering Design

ZWE will work with the customer in Phase 3 to prepare the front-end engineering design (FEED) for construction and installation of the Project.  This is an important next step as the FEED process further refines the project’s key engineering, equipment, and construction requirements to insure that the project scope, cost, and performance meet the customer requirements before further commitment to detailed design.

The FEED will contain a number of drawings that cover the processes, general arrangement of equipment on the site, and critical sizing of all major components.  ZWE also engages all suppliers and contractors to develop pricing of the project components.  This provides a more definitive budget and prepares the customer for execution of the project in Phase 4.  This early engineering effort is a proven technique and reduces risk as the project evolves from concept to final design with a project that is well defined and executable. The completion of the FEED process can also provide the basis for a guaranteed maximum price (GMP), used by some customer financing approaches.  ZWE can also add other levels of security at the conclusion of this Phase 3 process as may be required by customer financing.

Phase 4: Project Management, Equipment Procurement & Training

During Phase 4, ZWE provides all technical expertise and knowledge to the construction contractor and serves as the project manager in overseeing the installation of the System from a technical perspective:

• Order the equipment detailed in the FEED
• Oversee the final design, engineering, construction and installation of the equipment at the Project site
• Provide technical expertise and know-how relating to the System and the technology

Once project construction is complete, an experienced technician and start-up specialist from ZWE will provide the following onsite services:

• Pre-start-up project management, training and operational assistance
• Operational training for the customer’s staff / employees
• Certain post-start-up training and monitoring
• Additional training and calibration of System performance onsite for 30 days following system functional operation.