A clean optimization approach for sustainable waste-to-energy using integrated technology

Abstract

In this study, we propose an innovative approach to regulate municipal solid waste (MSW) resource utilization and renewable energy conversion. Under the concept of circular economy, clean anaerobic digestion (AD) and gasification are combined to form integrated technology to achieve sustainable waste-to-energy. A matched multi-objective optimization model is developed to balance the economic and environmental benefits during the waste-to-energy process under uncertainty. Robust optimization is used to produce optimal solutions that are feasible even in the worst-case scenario in terms of uncertain parameters. The practicality of the proposed methodology is tested in a real-world case, and it is found that utilizing integrated technology can effectively carry out MSW resource utilization while also obtaining ample renewable energy. Robust optimization is used to conduct scenario analyses on the fluctuation interval of the uncertain electricity subsidy in order to assess its impact on the model solutions. It was found that the cost and carbon emission objectives were highly sensitive to changes in electricity subsidy. Although AD has been the primary technology used for waste-to-energy, the use of gasification in integrated technology has been increasing. While the treatment plans of various MSW types were different, there were still some commonalities.