A steam generator includes a furnace configured and adapted to generate a stream of furnace exit gases from the combustion of municipal solid waste fuel. At least one superheater is disposed within an upper portion of the furnace or backpass. The superheater is configured and adapted to superheat fluids within the superheater by facilitating heat transfer between fluids within the superheater and furnace exit gases outside the superheater. At least one waterwall furnace platen is disposed within the furnace upstream from the superheater, the waterwall furnace platen is configured and adapted to lower furnace exit gas temperature at the superheater by facilitating heat transfer between fluids within the waterwall furnace platen and furnace exit gases outside the waterwall furnace platen.