Selection of a Suitable Waste to Energy Technology for Greater Beirut Area Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Waste to Energy (WtE) is becoming an interesting option for many countries as an effective waste management solution. The goal of this study is the selection of a suitable WtE technology for the treatment of municipal solid waste in Greater Beirut Area (GBA). In adopting a potential WtE technology for solid waste treatment in GBA, the protection of the environment and citizens health is mandatory, but it is also evident the pressing need for economically feasible new electrical energy sources. For a well and an efficient functioning of a WtE plant, an appropriate supply chain system of municipal solid waste should be guaranteed. The selection of a suitable WtE technology is a complex decision and to achieve the stated objective the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was employed and experts in the waste management sector were consulted to formulate the model. AHP analysis was performed using SpiceLogic software. Results indicate that Composting is the best choice with a global score of 0.33, followed by Anaerobic Digestion which acquired 0.21 and Incineration ranked as the third preferred technology obtaining 0.14. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the results consistency, assessing the reliability of the experts’ judgments.