Municipal solid waste as an alternative energy source

Abstract

One of the main objectives in the field of waste management today is the implementation of waste-to-energy concept, because it decreases the amount of municipal solid waste landfilled and economizes the traditional hydrocarbon fuels. One of the main objectives of this study was to assess the global energetic potential of municipal solid waste and its potential contribution in energy balance. This evaluation was based on the analysis of main municipal solid waste properties such as component and chemical compositions, and heating value. The comparison of municipal solid waste properties and energetic potential with those for traditional solid fuels was also discussed. For comparison, the biomass samples and coals collected from Russian coal basins were considered. Study of municipal solid waste properties showed that municipal solid waste represents a well-flammable fuel with high carbon content (up to 50–60% for dry ash-free basis), and relatively high O/C atomic ratio. Total world energetic potential of municipal solid waste was estimated as 20 billion GJ that is 12.6% from energetic potential of coal mined. It was shown that by municipal solid waste incineration it is possible to produce 800 billion kWh of electrical energy that is about 3.5% of total world electricity generation. It was shown that in 2035 energetic potential of municipal solid waste may share up to 21.7% from energetic potential of coal. Executed estimations confirmed the urgency of municipal solid waste waste-to-energy implementation.