Development of electricity and heat generation assessment index for waste to energy technology selection

Abstract

Developing nations are still in search for practical solutions to improve the current waste management system through the application and development of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies. WtE is important in solving major issues regarding ineffective waste management. Different WtE technologies have different ways of operation and different amount of energy production. Therefore, it is very important to identify the type of WtE technology that is suitable for implementation according to their energy aspect. The aim of this work is to introduce the Electricity and Heat Generation Assessment Index (EHGAI) developed with the purpose of assisting the selection of suitable WtE technologies for implementation in terms of energy aspect. There are three energy parameters involved in the development of this technique which are heat energy generation, net electrical output and MSW mass reduction. Scores for this index were developed based on the parametric values obtained from the literatures while suitability of WtE technology on waste composition is used as weightage. This index was implemented on Taman Beringin Landfill case study. Results produced show that incineration is the best WtE technology in terms of energy production and MSW reduction aspects however, additional pre-processing of waste prior to incineration is needed for incineration to efficiently transform waste to energy. This results in incineration and anaerobic digestion as having the same EHGAI Total Score of 9 indicating both WtE technologies as suitable for energy production.