The rapid increase in global waste generation, driven by urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, has intensified environmental concerns, necessitating sustainable waste management solutions. Conventional waste disposal methods, including landfilling and open dumping, pose severe ecological risks such as groundwater contamination, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technologies offer a dual advantage by addressing waste accumulation while simultaneously generating renewable energy, thereby contributing to both environmental sustainability and energy security.
This paper explores various WTE methodologies, including incineration, anaerobic digestion, landfill gas recovery, pyrolysis, gasification, and advanced emerging technologies such as plasma arc gasification, microbial fuel cells, and hydrothermal carbonization. It examines their technical feasibility, environmental impact, and economic viability, drawing insights from successful case studies implemented in countries like Sweden, Japan, Singapore, and China.
WTE (Waste to Energy), Sustainable Development, Energy Security, Generation of Electricity
