Gasification of refuse-derived fuel from municipal solid waste for energy production: a review

Dwindling fossil fuels and improper waste management are major challenges in the context of increasing population and industrialization, calling for new waste-to-energy sources. For instance, refuse-derived fuels can be produced from transformation of municipal solid waste, which is forecasted to reach 2.6 billion metric tonnes in 2030. Gasification is a thermal-induced chemical reaction that produces gaseous fuel such as hydrogen and syngas. Here, we review refuse-derived fuel gasification with focus on practices in various countries, recent progress in gasification, gasification modelling and economic analysis. We found that some countries that replace coal by refuse-derived fuel reduce CO2 emission by 40%, and decrease the amount municipal solid waste being sent to landfill by more than 50%. The production cost of energy via refuse-derived fuel gasification is estimated at 0.05 USD/kWh. Co-gasification by using two feedstocks appears more beneficial over conventional gasification in terms of minimum tar formation and improved process efficiency.

Automated summary

Dwindling fossil fuels and improper waste management are major challenges due to increasing population and industrialization. Refuse-derived fuel gasification is a key technology that can help reduce CO2 emissions and decrease the amount of solid waste being sent to landfills. Co-gasification using two feedstocks shows potential benefits over conventional gasification, with lower tar formation and improved process efficiency.