Waste-energy-climate nexus perspective towards circular economy: A mini-review

Abstract

Population growth requires high demand for vast resources, which includes energy and the consumption of goods. With this strangling situation, many developing countries – including Malaysia, need to face other associated issues such as waste generation as well as climate change. To survive this daunting scenario, a smart alternative known as Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technology emerges as a viable solution to overcome these contemporary challenges. By implementing this technology, waste can be transformed into new energy sources that can be used to meet the needs of the standard energy requirement, whilst, solving mass pollution problems. Though it may sound like a promising solution as of this moment, the availability of these resources and the longevity of this technology is relatively unknown. A mini-review of the modern nexus of waste and energy with the value-added of climate change may enhance the understanding of this linkage and forecast its long-term sustainability. Additionally, this review features an innovation compares with the mainstream reviews by evaluating the nexus of these three in line with the Circular Economy framework (CER). This review encompasses a body of grey-literatures and peer-reviewed literature from multi-disciplinary perspectives including government, researcher, and public. Information obtained in this study exhibits a significant linkage between waste utilization, climate change, and energy security. Identified implications and effects of each provide vital insight towards the establishment of national and global CER. Apart from that, WtE technology turns out to be the best effort as part of the waste minimization strategy and serves as a key factor that can attenuate the environmental impacts concurrently meeting the growing demand of national and global energy.