Energy and economic evaluation of MSW incineration and gasification in Brazil

Abstract

Ever-increasing waste generation from the world population, along with the demand for renewable energy sources, are two topics gaining prominence in global conversations. Energy recovery of municipal solid wastes stands out as a possible solution for both problems. Thus, the present study aims to analyze the use of gasifiers and incinerators as technology for municipal solid waste treatment and energy generation from economic and energetic perspectives. The study was carried out in three municipalities in different regions of Brazil with distinct characteristics: Itajubá, Campinas and Campo Grande. The calculations were performed considering each city's waste production values and gravimetric composition. For each, two different waste flow scenarios were considered: the first adopted constant power and waste treatment values, while the second used values that varied year to year. The results obtained showed that the second scenario had greater energy potential than the first; however, its generation costs are higher, due to the greater flow of waste. Regarding the types of technology, gasification resulted in lower generation costs in Itajubá, while incineration was more attractive for Campinas and Campo Grande. This distinction can be explained by the different levels of organic matter in the cities involved. The use of both types of technology did not prove to be economically viable for any of the cities and conditions analyzed, thus demonstrating the need for government incentives for their viability.