Abstract
In response to the substantial increase in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation in the past few decades, along with changes in waste composition and environmental concerns, new methods of MSW recycling and disposal are actively sought. The conversion of non-recyclable waste materials into useable heat, electricity, or fuel, referred to as Waste-to-Energy (WtE), is a renewable energy source which contributes to reducing both landfill volume and carbon emissions. This paper provides an assessment of the present status of MSW generation and energy recovery. Currently available and emerging WtE conversion technologies are reviewed, in terms of their operating principles, key advantages, limitations and the challenges associated with their implementation. These barriers include economic viability, competition with mainstream forms of renewable energy as well as fossil fuels, and public perceptions. The involvement of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and G20 member countries in WtE conversion utilization and development is discussed.
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Pauley, K.P., Chow, C.J., Rodgers, P., Eveloy, V. (2014). Present Status of Energy Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste. In: Hamdan, M., Hejase, H., Noura, H., Fardoun, A. (eds) ICREGA’14 - Renewable Energy: Generation and Applications. Springer Proceedings in Energy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05708-8_28
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