The big challenges are the high cost of a conversion plant and their technical complexity.

FORBES: Energy Forecast 2013-2014: Convert to Natural Gas

The charm offensive also explains, without ever using the words "incinerator" or "burn", that the proposed "thermal conversion plant" will also pay its way by generating electricity.

BBC: Yorkshire and Lincolnshire: Waste disposal

In green energy news, this week Lockheed Martin announced plans to construct the world's largest ocean thermal energy conversion plant off the southern coast of China.

ENGADGET: Inhabitat's Week in Green: flying electric car, 3D-printed livers and a two-story-tall bike

Adding the enzyme to corn stalks, the researchers say, could allow easier conversion of the woody waste parts of the corn plant into ethanol.

NPR: Scientists Seek New Ways to Produce Biofuel