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Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B: Energy and Environment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2025 | Viewed by 9797

Special Issue Editor

Dr. M. Azizul Moqsud

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
Interests: civil engineering; waste management; energy; geo-environment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

This Special Issue on "Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies" aims to explore cutting-edge innovations and research in the field of energy generation from various waste sources. The focus of this Special Issue will be on novel technologies and sustainable approaches that allow for the efficient conversion of waste materials into valuable energy resources. By showcasing advancements in waste-to-energy systems, this Special Issue intends to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.

The scope of this Special Issue encompasses a broad range of topics related to Waste-to-Energy Technologies, including but not limited to:

  • Waste-to-Energy Conversion Technologies: In-depth exploration of different waste conversion processes, such as incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and emerging technologies like plasma gasification;
  • Biomass and Municipal Solid Waste Utilization: Research on utilizing biomass, agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste as renewable energy sources to produce electricity, heat, or biofuels;
  • Waste-to-Energy Integration with Circular Economy: Examining the integration of waste-to-energy systems with the principles of the circular economy to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste generation;
  • Energy Recovery from Industrial and Electronic Waste: Investigations into techniques for harnessing energy from industrial by-products, electronic waste, and other non-conventional waste streams;
  • Technological Innovations and Efficiency Enhancement: Advancements in waste-to-energy technologies, process optimization, and efficiency improvement for better energy conversion;
  • Environmental Impacts and Sustainability: Studies on the environmental impact assessment and life cycle analysis of waste-to-energy processes to ensure sustainability and adherence to environmental regulations;
  • Policy, Economics, and Social Aspects: Exploration of policy frameworks, economic viability, and social acceptance of waste-to-energy technologies.

The "Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies" Special Issue will serve as a platform for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share insights, and promote sustainable solutions in the realm of waste-to-energy conversion for a cleaner and greener energy future.

Dr. M. Azizul Moqsud
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • waste-to-energy technologies
  • energy generation
  • waste conversion technologies
  • biomass
  • municipal solid waste
  • circular economy
  • industrial waste
  • electronic waste
  • technological innovations
  • efficiency enhancement
  • environmental impact
  • sustainability
  • policy
  • economics
  • social acceptance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 29936 KiB  
Article
On the Use of a Chloride or Fluoride Salt Fuel System in Advanced Molten Salt Reactors, Part 3; Radiation Damage
by Omid Noori-kalkhoran, Lakshay Jain and Bruno Merk
Energies 2024, 17(19), 4772; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194772 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Structural materials in fast reactors with harsh radiation environments due to high energy neutrons—compared to thermal reactors—potentially suffer from a higher degree of radiation damage. This radiation damage can change the thermophysical and mechanical properties of materials and, as a result, alter their [...] Read more.
Structural materials in fast reactors with harsh radiation environments due to high energy neutrons—compared to thermal reactors—potentially suffer from a higher degree of radiation damage. This radiation damage can change the thermophysical and mechanical properties of materials and, as a result, alter their performance and effective lifetime, in some cases leading to their disintegration. These phenomena can jeopardize the safety of fast reactors and thus need to be investigated. In this study, the effect of radiation damage on the vessels of molten salt fast reactors (MSFR) was evaluated based on two fundamental radiation damage parameters: displacement per atom (dpa) and primary knock-on atom (pka). Following the previous part of this article (Parts 1 and 2), an iMAGINE reactor core design (University of Liverpool, UK—chloride-based salt fuel system) and an EVOL reactor core design (CNRS, Grenoble, France, fluoride-based salt fuel system) with stainless steel and nickel-based alloy material vessels, respectively, were considered as case studies. The SPECTER and SPECTRA-PKA codes and a PTRAC card of MCNPX, integrated with a module which has been developed in MATLAB, named PTRIM and SRIM-2013 (using binary collision approximation), were employed individually to calculate and compare dpa and PKA (this master module containing all three tools has been appended to the iMAGINE-3BIC package for future use during reactor operations). Additionally, SRIM-2013 was applied in a 3D simulation of a radiation damage map on a small sample of vessels based on the calculated PKA. Our results showed a higher degree of radiation damage in the iMAGINE vessel compared to the EVOL one, which could be expected due to the harder neutron flux spectrum of the iMAGINE core compared to EVOL. In addition, the nickel alloy vessel showed better radiation damage resistance against high energy neutrons compared to the stainless steel one, although more investigations are required on thermal neutrons and alloy corrosion mechanisms to determine the best material for use in MSFR vessels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies)
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22 pages, 1740 KiB  
Article
Influence of Microwave-Assisted Chemical Thermohydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Waste Biomass on Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency
by Marcin Dębowski, Marcin Zieliński, Anna Nowicka and Joanna Kazimierowicz
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4207; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174207 - 23 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1073
Abstract
To date, microwave radiation has been successfully used to support the chemical hydrolysis of organic substrates in the laboratory. There is a lack of studies on large-scale plants that would provide the basis for a reliable evaluation of this technology. The aim of [...] Read more.
To date, microwave radiation has been successfully used to support the chemical hydrolysis of organic substrates in the laboratory. There is a lack of studies on large-scale plants that would provide the basis for a reliable evaluation of this technology. The aim of the research was to determine the effectiveness of using microwave radiation to support the acidic and alkaline thermohydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass prior to anaerobic digestion on a semi-industrial scale. Regardless of the pretreatment options, similar concentrations of dissolved organic compounds were observed, ranging from 99.0 ± 2.5 g/L to 115.0 ± 3.0 in the case of COD and from 33.9 ± 0.92 g/L to 38.2 ± 1.41 g/L for TOC. However, these values were more than twice as high as the values for the substrate without pretreatment. The degree of solubilisation was similar and ranged between 20 and 28% for both monitored indicators. The highest anaerobic digestion effects, ranging from 99 to 102 LCH4/kgFM, were achieved using a combined process consisting of 20 min of microwave heating, 0.10–0.20 g HCl/gTS dose, and alkaline thermohydrolysis. For the control sample, the value was only 78 LCH4/kgFM; for the other variants, it was between 79 and 94 LCH4/kgFM. The highest net energy gain of 3.51 kWh was achieved in the combined alkaline thermohydrolysis with NaOH doses between 0.10 and 0.20 g/gTS. The use of a prototype at the 5th technology readiness level made it possible to demonstrate that the strong technological effects of the thermohydrolysis process, as demonstrated in laboratory tests to date, do not allow for positive energy balance in most cases. This fact considerably limits the practical application of this type of solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies)
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24 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
The Contribution of Biogas to the Electricity Supply Chain: An Italian Life Cycle Assessment Database
by Gabriella Fiorentino, Amalia Zucaro, Antonietta Cerbone, Alessandro Giocoli, Vincenzo Motola, Caterina Rinaldi, Simona Scalbi and Giuliana Ansanelli
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3264; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133264 - 3 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1440
Abstract
The transition towards energy efficiency measures and green energy sources is strongly fostered by the European Union. Italy is among the EU countries that have heavily invested in renewable energy sources, more than doubling their share in gross final energy consumption. In particular, [...] Read more.
The transition towards energy efficiency measures and green energy sources is strongly fostered by the European Union. Italy is among the EU countries that have heavily invested in renewable energy sources, more than doubling their share in gross final energy consumption. In particular, biogas has a pivotal role in the generation of electricity and can also be upgraded into biomethane, with a higher and more stable energy content. In this study, the sustainability of the supply chain of electricity from biogas in Italy has been thoroughly analyzed in the broader framework of the ARCADIA (Life Cycle Approach in Public Procurement and Italian LCA Database for Resource Efficiency) project. The environmental assessment, carried out by means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), provides a two-fold perspective. Firstly, it allows us to identify the main hotspots of the investigated system, such as the cultivation of dedicated crops, and to provide useful insights for improving environmental performance. Furthermore, a focus on the modeling of the dataset related to the production of electricity from biogas within the Italian electricity mix represents a step ahead in the LCA research, filling the lack of site-specific databases for reliable LCA results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies)
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15 pages, 1485 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Biochar Additives and Fat-Emulsifying Substances on the Efficiency of the Slaughterhouse Waste Biogasing Process
by Maciej Kuboń, Monika Komorowska, Marcin Niemiec, Jakub Sikora, Anna Szeląg-Sikora, Elżbieta Olech, Edyta Molik and Jakub Gajda
Energies 2024, 17(13), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133065 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
Waste management in the agri-food industry is an important technological and environmental problem. Slaughterhouse waste is particularly problematic, as it contains significant amounts of proteins and lipids, neither of which constitute a good substrate for methane production. The physical properties of mixtures of [...] Read more.
Waste management in the agri-food industry is an important technological and environmental problem. Slaughterhouse waste is particularly problematic, as it contains significant amounts of proteins and lipids, neither of which constitute a good substrate for methane production. The physical properties of mixtures of fat and polar solvents inhibit the methanogenesis process. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of the addition of fat emulsifiers and biochar on the amount of biogas produced and the level of carbon conversion per unit of waste weight. The assumed goal was achieved based on a laboratory experiment using static methane fermentation, carried out in accordance with the methodology of the DIN 38414/S8 standard. The results of the experiment indicate that the addition of fat emulsifiers increased the biogas yield from slaughterhouse waste from approximately 370 to 430 dm3 per 2 kg dry weight of waste. Each technological variant resulted in an increase in the amount of carbon that was transformed in the methanogenesis process. Although the level of carbon transformation in the methanogenesis process increased by approximately 20% in objects with emulsifier addition, the use of biochar and fat emulsifiers did not change the amount of methane production. Within the assumed system limits, therefore, the use of fat emulsifiers and biochar seems to be pointless. However, the use of the developed technology can improve the efficiency of biogas production by up to 18% and shorten the process by 5 days. Assuming the continuous operation of the biogas plant, the use of the developed technology will increase the efficiency of biogas production from slaughterhouse waste in the long term by over 30% without the need to modify the infrastructure in the biogas plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies)
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25 pages, 2722 KiB  
Article
Depolymerization of PMMA-Based Dental Resin Scraps on Different Production Scales
by Haroldo Jorge da Silva Ribeiro, Armando Costa Ferreira, Caio Campos Ferreira, Lia Martins Pereira, Marcelo Costa Santos, Lauro Henrique Hamoy Guerreiro, Fernanda Paula da Costa Assunção, Sílvio Alex Pereira da Mota, Douglas Alberto Rocha de Castro, Sergio Duvoisin, Jr., Luiz Eduardo Pizarro Borges, Nélio Teixeira Machado and Lucas Pinto Bernar
Energies 2024, 17(5), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051196 - 2 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1729
Abstract
This research explores the depolymerization of waste polymethyl methacrylate (PMMAW) from dental material in fixed bed semi-batch reactors, focusing on three production scales: laboratory, technical and pilot. The study investigates the thermal degradation mechanism and kinetics of PMMAW through thermogravimetric (TG) and differential [...] Read more.
This research explores the depolymerization of waste polymethyl methacrylate (PMMAW) from dental material in fixed bed semi-batch reactors, focusing on three production scales: laboratory, technical and pilot. The study investigates the thermal degradation mechanism and kinetics of PMMAW through thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, revealing a two-step degradation process. The heat flow during PMMAW decomposition is measured by DSC, providing essential parameters for designing pyrolysis processes. The results demonstrate the potential of DSC for energetic analysis and process design, with attention to standardization challenges. Material balance analysis across the production scales reveals a temperature gradient across the fixed bed negatively impacting liquid yield and methyl methacrylate (MMA) concentration. Reactor load and power load variables are introduced, demonstrating decreased temperature with increased process scale. The study identifies the influence of temperature on MMA concentration in the liquid fraction, emphasizing the importance of controlling temperature for efficient depolymerization. Furthermore, the research highlights the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons from the remaining char, indicating a shift in liquid composition during the depolymerization process. The study concludes that lower temperatures below 450 °C favor liquid fractions rich in MMA, suggesting the benefits of lower temperatures and slower heating rates in semi-batch depolymerization. The findings contribute to a novel approach for analyzing pyrolysis processes, emphasizing reactor design and economic considerations for recycling viability. Future research aims to refine and standardize the analysis and design protocols for pyrolysis and similar processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies)
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Review

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27 pages, 3884 KiB  
Review
Pharmaceutical Wastewater and Sludge Valorization: A Review on Innovative Strategies for Energy Recovery and Waste Treatment
by W. J. Pech-Rodríguez, P. C. Meléndez-González, J. M. Hernández-López, G. G. Suarez-Velázquez, César R. Sarabia-Castillo and C. A. Calles-Arriaga
Energies 2024, 17(20), 5043; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17205043 - 11 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2081
Abstract
Currently, a large amount of pharmaceutical waste (PW) and its derivatives are being produced and, in some cases, inadequate management or treatment practices are applied. In this regard, this research explores the adoption of several alternatives to deal with these problems, including biocarbon [...] Read more.
Currently, a large amount of pharmaceutical waste (PW) and its derivatives are being produced and, in some cases, inadequate management or treatment practices are applied. In this regard, this research explores the adoption of several alternatives to deal with these problems, including biocarbon within the framework of the circular economy. Photocatalytic nanomaterials have been also extensively discussed as a feasible way to remove pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater. Although there are existing reports in this area, this document provides a detailed study of the synthesis process, experimental conditions, the integration of photocatalysts, and their impact on enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. Additionally, the low cost and ease of fabrication of lab-scale microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are thoroughly examined. This innovative technology not only facilitates the degradation of hazardous compounds in wastewater but also harnesses their energy to generate electricity simultaneously. The aforementioned approaches are covered and discussed in detail by documenting interesting recently published research and case studies worldwide. Furthermore, this research is of significant importance because it addresses the valorization of PW by generating valuable by-products, such as H2 and O2, which can occur simultaneously during the photodegradation process, contributing to more sustainable industrial practices and clean energy technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies)
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