Applied Chemical Engineering

A comprehensive review of waste-to-energy technologies: Pathways for large scale applications

Ujvala Christian

Chemical Engineering Department, Vishwakarma Government Engineering College, Chandkheda, Ahmedabad- 382424, Gujarat, India

Yashawant P. Bhalerao

Chemical Engineering Department, Government Polytechnic, Daman- 396210, India

Jaymin Patel

Department of Chemical Engineering, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad- 387001, India

Pranav Mehta

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad- 387001, India

Ghanshyam G Tejani

pplied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11937, Jordan Jadara Research Center, Jadara University, Irbid, 21110, Jordan

Subhav Singh

Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh-174103 India; Division of research and development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India

Deekshant Varshney

Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura- 140417, Punjab, India; Division of Research & innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ace.v7i4.5578

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Abstract

Waste to energy (WtE) is a strategic tool to address the waste management and stupendous energy demand in a country like India. This paper provides a broad examination of the technological, and economical aspects of WtE projects internationally and specifically in India. Technologically it discusses various WtE processes such as but not limited to gasification, anaerobic digestion and incineration and their suitability as well as capability of handling different types of waste. The study draws attention to the technology that makes these processes more feasible and sustainable in urban and rural areas. From an environmental stand point, the study evaluates the enormous roles played by WtE including; elimination of landfill use, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and appropriate disposal of solid wastes. It considers the environmental swapping and outlines how WtE can meet India’s Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11 and 13: Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action. From the economical perspective, the study performs the cost benefit evaluation, determining economic viability of WtE based projects. The research also provides information about the various factors that contribute to the lack of economic feasibility such as high initial capital investment requirements, operations issues, and government constraints. This study shows WtE projects when implemented they have massive environmental and economic benefits, but the existing infrastructure, good policies and effective stakeholders’ engagement determines the success of the projects.

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