Pyrolytic Liquid Fuel – An Alternative for Producing Electrical Energy in Mexico

Abstract

Millions of tons of urban solid waste are discarded yearly in Mexico. The rapid population growth, urbanization, and social development, together with a more significant number of inhabitants, resulted in a massive amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) that is increasing yearly. Most of these end up in landfills without being used for energy, causing severe social and environmental problems. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is the most significant main waste stream (representing 9.21% of the waste that can be used), including plastic bottles, food dishes, cans, bags, and containers. The recycling and sustainable disposal of plastic waste is a significant activity with a high rate of complexity due to various effects that occur during its processes, such as obstructions in mechanisms and pipes, prolonged degradation and biodegradation rates, and the presence of additives, and highly toxic dyes. Pyrolysis is one of the promising technologies for converting waste into sound energy capable of being used in various applications such as power generation, transportation fuel, and multiple thermal purposes. According to the Ministry of Energy (SENER), Mexico has an installed generation capacity of 86,034 MW, of which almost 65% is based on fossil-based technologies.