Is there room for waste-to-energy in the recycling society? A mathematical optimization approach
Abstract
Moving to a more circular economy calls for ambitious goals in terms of municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling. Under this context, many questions rise about the potential impact of recycling targets on the waste-to-energy (WTE) industry. In this work we aim at evaluating the role of WTE for MSW management in Madrid (Spain) over the period 2020–2040. To do this, we developed an optimization framework which facilitates the identification of optimal MSW management pathways according to economic and environmental objectives. For the case study of Madrid, the main assumption was that the separate collection rates will increase significantly (e.g. up to 90% for packaging waste by 2040). Despite that, we found that a high share of incineration (38% of the MSW generated over the entire period) is required in order to achieve the minimum MSW management cost. However, when the goal is to minimize the life cycle climate change impact (LCCCI), incineration is substituted by gasification (25% share over the entire period). Anaerobic digestion plays a relevant role under the minimum LCCI pathway with a share of 28%. Our results indicate that recycling targets do not necessarily compromise the techno-economic viability of WTE technologies.
Author(s)
| Name |
Affiliation |
|
Robert Istrate
|
Leiden University |
|
Jose-Luis Galvez-Martos |
IMDEA Energy |
|
Javier Dufour |
IMDEA Energy / Rey Juan Carlos University |
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