A comparative techno-economic and life cycle assessment of energy-from-waste technology integrated with carbon capture and storage

Abstract

Rising urbanisation and global population growth are projected to nearly double municipal solid waste (MSW) generation by 2050. Energy-from-waste (EfW) technologies recover energy from mixed waste streams, generating electricity and heat. However, for every tonne of MSW incinerated, 0.7–1.7 tonnes of CO₂ is emitted. Integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) into EfW (EfW + CCS) presents a promising pathway to mitigate these emissions yet remains constrained by high costs and decreased energy efficiency. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of EfW + CCS, using a combined techno-economic and life cycle assessments approach. A thermodynamic steady-state model was developed in Aspen Plus to evaluate mass and energy balances for both standalone EfW and EfW + CCS. Results show that an EfW + CCS system with 250 ktpa capacity and 80% capture rate incurs a 35% energy penalty and increases capital (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) both by 30%. Additionally, the system results in a positive net present value, 2.7% return on investment and a levelised cost of electricity of £163/MWh, but extended payback period from 4.5 to 8.3 years compared to standalone EfW. The life cycle assessment results showed a 33% reduction in global warming potential (GWP), though monoethanolamine production and carbon capture infrastructure increased other impacts. This study suggests that the current carbon price of £49.4/t CO₂ is insufficient to incentivise CCS deployment, with a required subsidy estimated at £178/t CO₂ captured. Furthermore, ammonia use for NOₓ removal strongly influenced GWP and OPEX, with 60% NOₓ removal resulting in a reduction of 41% in GWP and increasing OPEX by 19% compared to standalone EfW.