The Oregon Coast Military Museum (OCMM) in Florence, Oregon, has announced a groundbreaking project to transform waste into clean energy, making it the first fully sustainable military museum in the U.S. Known as “Camp Liberty,” the initiative will employ advanced waste-to-energy technologies, including gasification and pyrolysis, to convert non-recyclable waste into heat and electricity. A key part of the project is providing employment opportunities for veterans, who will play a critical role in operations and maintenance. The museum aims to reduce its carbon footprint and divert up to 90% of waste from landfills through this eco-friendly process.
In addition to energy generation, the hub will support educational outreach programs focusing on sustainability and energy innovation. Studies estimate that waste-to-energy plants can generate up to 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity per ton of waste processed, making it a vital solution in renewable energy efforts. Oregon’s leadership in sustainable development aligns with state goals to reduce landfill dependence and meet renewable energy targets. The project exemplifies a new wave of community-centered green initiatives, setting a benchmark for museums and public institutions across the country to adopt sustainable practices. More