Tire-Derived Fuel

Since its inception in 1990, Alliant Energy’s tire-derived fuel program has transformed more than 36 million old tires into valuable energy for Wisconsin homes and businesses.

Tire burning works by first chopping up the tires into smaller pieces, called TDF, or tire-derived fuel, and then removing the wire or metal. The tire pieces are then blended with coal in boilers to produce energy.

Alliant Energy’s Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan, Wis., is home to the tire-burning program; tests are underway to expand the program to the Nelson Dewey Generating Station in Cassville, Wis.

The program prevents more than two million tires a year, or 40 percent of all discarded tires in Wisconsin, from ending up in dumping grounds.

It’s a good fuel source because it requires little preparation to burn, produces a high heating value, and is readily available. Each pound of tire-derived fuel displaces nearly two pounds of coal.

Tire burning is also good for the environment because it eliminates waste, reduces the likelihood of damaging fires, and reduces mosquito breeding.

Alliant Energy remains the largest significant consumer of TDF in the state of Wisconsin.