Waste-to-Energy and Potential for Enhancing Regional Energy Resilience

Abstract

Energy resilience is essential for regions that rely heavily on external energy sources and those vulnerable to natural disasters that can disrupt electricity supply. This study explores the potential of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies to enhance energy resilience by utilizing local municipal solid waste and agricultural biomass residues. It analyses waste incineration, which converts combustible waste into heat for energy generation, and anaerobic digestion, which transforms organic waste into biogas through microbial processes. Both technologies offer significant advantages, including reducing waste volume, generating renewable energy, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from open burning or landfilling. Together with Material Flow Analysis (MFA) was employed to evaluate waste flows and the potential for energy production. The analysis was conducted using a scenario analysis, which revealed a potential reduction of up to 45% in external energy imports with local renewable energy. The study results show improvements in key indicators such as the self-sufficiency ratio and energy resilience, highlighting the role of decentralized energy systems in making energy access more flexible and diversified while also solving l ocal waste management problems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviating environmental impacts. However, implementing WtE systems presents specific challenges, such as restrictions on waste collection and transportation, high technology costs, and the need to operate the system continuously.