A Circular Economy Approach for Nutrient Redistribution and Renewable Energy Production

Biomass waste-to-energy (BWtE) systems provide the opportunity to capture, recycle, and convert waste streams to value-added resources that can be redistributed. Adoption of BWtE systems can close nutrient loops, produce renewable energy, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and foster local economic and climate resilience. Here, we review anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification as potential BWtE technology options to serve as part of a circular economy. Prioritizing local, context-specific solutions can provide environmental and societal benefits, driving the transition to a more sustainable and regenerative energy future. Additionally, we provide a case study on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, USA, to illustrate how local agriculture and waste management practices can be integrated into BWtE systems at a regional level in the face of environmental challenges, such as saltwater intrusion. These practices generate energy and create nutrient byproducts that can benefit local stakeholders and economies.