Spatial Influence on Waste-to-Energy Sustainability: A Life Cycle Assessment of RDF Transport and Plant Siting

Abstract

The spatial configuration of Waste-to-Energy infrastructure plays a decisive role in determining the environmental and economic performance of municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems. This study applies a Life Cycle Assessment methodology to evaluate the environmental implications of centralized and decentralized siting strategies for Refuse-Derived Fuel utilization in Greece. Two alternative scenarios were modeled: (i) a centralized approach based on six large WtE plants as proposed by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy (gr. YPEN), and (ii) a decentralized approach involving smaller, regionally distributed units located closer to Recycling and Recovery Facilities. Using the SimaPro software and the ReCiPe method, environmental impacts were quantified across categories including global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and particulate matter formation. The results indicate that the decentralized scenario yields substantial environmental advantages, with reductions ranging from 33% to 45% across all impact categories and displaying a 35% decrease in CO2-equivalent emissions compared to the centralized scenario. Economic analysis confirms these findings, showing a 31% reduction in total transport and emissions-related costs due primarily to minimized long-distance and maritime transport. The study concludes that decentralized RDF-to-energy systems offer a more balanced and sustainable pathway, enhancing operational flexibility, lowering environmental burdens, and improving social acceptance. These results underscore the importance of integrating spatial and logistical parameters in national WtE planning to align with EU waste hierarchy principles and circular economy objectives.