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07:34
Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production
Published on: June 15, 2014
26.0K
Renewable energy from solid waste: life cycle analysis and social welfare
Ana Ramos1, Abel Rouboa2,3
1INEGI, Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Campus da FEUP, R. Dr. Roberto Frias 400, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
Environmental Impact Assessment Review
|September 21, 2020
Summary
This study compares municipal solid waste (MSW) to energy (WtE) technologies globally. Plasma gasification offers the best environmental benefits, supporting renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel reliance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Energy Engineering
Background:
- Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is a global challenge with varying compositions worldwide.
- Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies offer potential solutions for waste management and renewable energy production.
- A comprehensive understanding of WtE impacts across different regions is crucial for sustainable development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the environmental performance of three WtE technologies: incineration, regular gasification, and two-stage plasma gasification.
- To assess the potential for renewable electricity generation from MSW globally.
- To provide a holistic view of WtE benefits, including environmental and social aspects, for diverse stakeholders.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of MSW composition across different world locations.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts of WtE technologies.
- Estimation of per capita electricity production from MSW and its comparison to regional electricity demand.
Main Results:
- Incineration showed improved global warming and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential.
- Regular gasification performed best in eutrophication, acidification, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, and human toxicity.
- Two-stage plasma gasification achieved negative environmental impacts across all categories, indicating environmental credits.
- Electricity generated from MSW demonstrated significant potential to meet regional energy demands.
Conclusions:
- Waste-to-energy technologies, particularly plasma gasification, offer substantial environmental benefits.
- WtE can significantly contribute to replacing fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- This research supports the integration of WtE solutions for sustainable waste management and energy production, enhancing quality of life.
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