Geo-Pomona Waste-to-Energy Facility - Class of 2025

The Geo-Pomona Waste-to-Energy site visit gave NUST Civil Engineering students practical exposure to modern, integrated waste management and sustainable infrastructure development. The visit highlighted the transition from traditional dumping practices to advanced engineering solutions focused on environmental protection and energy recovery.

Students examined modern landfill engineering systems, including multi-layer liner installations using HDPE geomembranes and geotextiles, leachate collection and treatment systems, and soil stabilisation techniques used to maintain the stability of large waste slopes.

A key highlight was the Waste-to-Energy facility, where students observed how municipal solid waste was converted into electricity. Learning focused on the thermal incineration process, structural design of heavy industrial plants, and the integration of power generation, expected to reach approximately 22 MW into the national grid.

The visit also covered environmental and hydraulic engineering systems, including wastewater treatment plants, methane gas extraction for safety and emissions control, and stormwater management infrastructure designed to prevent flooding of landfill cells. Broader discussions addressed waste sorting, materials recovery, and the logistics of managing a large-scale project valued at over US$300 million.

Overall, the visit demonstrated the evolving role of civil engineers in remediation and sustainable urban development, showcasing how a former dumpsite was transformed into a functional and environmentally responsible asset.