MHI has developed a carbonization system to recycle sewage sludge for electric power generation fuel. The technology can satisfy two needs at the same time: first, the need to recycle sludge and suppress the emission of global warming gases in sewage sludge treatment plants; second, the need to substitute fuel with carbon-free fossil fuel in thermal power plants. The main component of the system is an indirectly heated rotary kiln of a type already in practical use in power generation facilities with gasified wood waste. The kiln was considered optimal for the system in light of its ability to produce pyrolysis coke steadily and efficiently from sewage sludge. Bio Fuel Co., Inc. placed an order with MHI for the construction of a sewage sludge carbonization facility, the first facility to use the sewage sludge for power generation fuel by converting it to carbonized fuel. The construction is scheduled to be completed within 2007.