WASTE TO ENERGY 

Back in the school days, we learned that once energy is released in the atmosphere, it cannot be converted back into energy. We might assume same for the waste, that once waste is generated, it is of no use in the future. But here comes the twist; a not so new concept of “Waste to Energy” (WtE).

It can be described as various technologies that convert non-recyclable waste into usable forms of energy including heat, fuels and electricity. WtE is like recovery of energy. Waste fuels are also called “opportunity fuels,” because they may offer a preferential price, give direct benefits to the power station, or provide indirect or co-benefits from their use.

The question arises that why is there a need for WtE. There are two main reasons for this- 

1) Waste is being produced in enormous amount, all over the world. Currently, there is 1.3 billion tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste generated annually. By 2025 the figure will rise to almost 2.2 billion tonnes of municipal waste per year. Predictions such as limited land and undegradable waste, force us to consider and develop alternatives for addressing our future waste management challenges.

2) Climatic change is being observed all over the world,which has its own repercussions.

Here WtE comes into picture. It not only helps in waste management but also helps in reducing the effects of Climate Change. The main reason for Climate Change is emission of greenhouse gases. Using various techniques under WtE helps in reducing the emission of these gases.

WASTE TO ENERGY TECHNOLOGY HELPS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas recovery are some of the processes used to convert waste into energy.

In incineration, waste is burned completely combusted at ultra-high temperatures allowing for energy recovery. Modern incineration facilities use pollution control equipment to prevent the release of emissions into the environment. Currently incineration is the only WtE technology that is economically viable and operationally feasible at commercial scale.

Anaerobic digestion is an old but an effective technology where organic material is biologically converted into compost resulting into biogas. This systems have large potential and can range from low to high tech, hence catering to communities of all income levels. Where as pyrolysis can thermo-chemically convert waste products into clean liquid fuels.

Landfill gas recovery is the process of capturing the gases emitted from municipal landfills and converting it for energy.

Hence WtE helps in reduction of waste going to landfill sites, reduction of carbon emissions, use of fossil fuels, etc.

Electricity and heat can be generated from waste which provide an alternative and more environment-friendly source of energy. And the local community around WtE facilities are benefited from creation of jobs to cost effective energy.

Unfortunately, WtE practices are underutilized and therefore the majority of the world still uses landfills as their primary disposal method. Landfills are an unsustainable use of land and pose

environmental concerns including water and air quality issues.

The most significant challenge to WtE technology adoption is the awareness that waste can be used as a source of clean and reliable energy.

 WRITTEN BY- ALISHA

                       ( NET IMPACT MEMBER)

CURATED BY- POOJAN SEHGAL