Energy Sources, Vol.24, No.2, 115-126, 2002
Incineration of municipal solid waste with electricity production and environmental safety: The case of a small capacity unit in Greece
In this conceptual study a feasibility analysis was carried out in order to define the viability of an incineration plant with a capacity of 100 t/d, with energy recovery and environmental safety, in Greece. Using realistic estimates of waste composition and heat content, an appropriate incineration method was selected, as well as near optimum operating conditions of process equipment. The European and Greek legislation related to environmental protection was reviewed. The application of stricter requirements for the incineration of domestic wastes has resulted in increased investment and operational costs. Six emission abatement options were studied and the increase of the total investment and operational cost of their use was estimated. What resulted is that a capacity of 100 t/d incineration with energy recovery and environmental safety is an expensive method, and the increase on cost due to the best available emission control system was calculated as 26% for the investment cost and 6.5% for the operational cost. However, high costs might be compensated from the increased fuel and energy prices, the increased landfill taxes, and increased land values.