Waste-to-Energy: An Opportunity to Increase Renewable Energy Share and Reduce Ecological Footprint in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

A comparison on the critical success factors of MSW and RDF power plant development in Thailand: Using an interpretive structural modelling and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis

Waste-to-energy (WtE) power plants, supplied mainly with municipal solid waste (MSW) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF), which convert waste into electricity, have emerged as a solution to Thailand's waste management problems. This study focused on identifying and studying the critical success factors (CSFs) that influence the success of MSW and RDF power plants in Thailand. This study employed interpretive structural Modelling and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to a classification analysis to evaluate the impact of these CSFs on the development of WtE projects. The results showed that, for MSW, most CSFs were related to energy and waste management policies, followed by waste quality for electricity generation. In addition, strong financial resources and appropriate power plant locations are important for MSW management success. Conversely, for RDF, most CSFs were sufficient waste quality for electricity generation and performed well according to licensing conditions. In this study, high-level CSFs indicated that these factors were crucial for MSW and RDF development. CSFs differ based on specific technologies and regulations. However, sufficient waste quality (heating value and moisture content) is a common CSF in the MSW and RDF technologies. This study provides valuable insights into the CSFs that affect the development of WtE. Understanding and addressing these CSFs is essential for the development and operation of WtE power plants in Thailand and other countries with similar conditions. Thus, policy-makers and other stakeholders can make informed decisions to ensure the success of WtE projects.

Harnessing waste-to-energy potential in developing countries: a case study of rural Ghana

This study examines factors that define a suitable waste-to-energy (WTE) technology and identifies an appropriate WTE technology that can be deployed to improve waste management in rural areas. Observations, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from waste management experts at Atwima Kwanwoma District and the residents in Kwanwoma township in Ghana. This study established that the following major factors define a suitable WTE technology for the Kwanwoma township: the initial capital or set-up costs, feedstock type, required plant size, and required input volume. The study also revealed that sanitary landfill with gas capture is the most suitable WTE technology for the Kwanwoma township based on the least set-up costs and scalability. The study provides the next steps for government action on WTE technology at the township, district, and national levels.