Waste-to-Energy Technologies: a Systematic Literature Review

EasyChair Preprint 13520

Abstract

The global challenge of waste management has become prominent due to the increasing waste production, surpassing available disposal space. Simultaneously, the need to adopt renewable energy sources in response to the global energy crisis and climate change has intensified. In addressing this challenge, Waste-to-Energy (WTE) emerges as a solution, involving power generation and alternative fuel through waste treatment. This study adopts a portfolio approach to investigate WTE, identifying recommended technologies for effective implementation. Through a systematic literature review using the ProKnow-C methodology, we focused on papers published in English between 2018 and 2022, primarily from journals and conference proceedings on Science Direct and Scopus. From an initial pool of 2,214 papers (Scopus) and 1,364 papers (Science Direct), 53 were selected for thorough analysis, and 23 were included in the final portfolio due to their approach of the theme. Eight WTE technologies were identified: Pyrolysis, Incineration, Combustion, Gasification, Thermochemical Hydrolysis, Anaerobic Digestion, Fluidized Bed Combustion, and Composting. Incineration, known for its energy efficiency and significant waste volume reduction, was the most used technology. Pyrolysis, versatile and applicable to various waste types, ranked second, followed by gasification, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions, highlight the environmental impact variability of WTE technologies. Despite drawbacks, WTE technologies persist as viable waste management and energy production alternatives, emphasizing the need for future studies to assess technology-specific criteria for precise application selection.

Keyphrases: Energy, Solid waste, Technologies, Waste to Energy, Waste-to-energy technologies, literature review

@booklet{EasyChair:13520,
  author    = {Nathalia Monteiro and Cristiano Dias Barros and Giulia Evelen Nascimento de Barros and Elizabeth Cristina Silva da Silva and Renata Oliveira and Ailson Renan Santos Picanço},
  title     = {Waste-to-Energy Technologies: a Systematic Literature Review},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 13520},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}