Waste-to-Energy: Methods, Technologies, and Economics

Renewable forms of energy are a hot topic in the US as they help reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from coal power and supply energy to the growing electric demand for such things as electric cars and data centers. Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants became an option in 1980s and continued into the 90s in North America but with how expensive they were and some initial issues, they have not become a staple of handling waste like has occurred in Europe. The outlook for old mass-burn WTE in the US is bleak with most current facilities being over 30 years old and many are being shut down due to costs of upgrading and limited support. There is also vigorous opposition from many groups with most thermal conversions of waste or materials from waste are opposed by a lot of groups, including the EPA. Most Zero Waste programs also dont recognize or limit WTE as an outlet for zero-waste.

This presentation will provide an overview of the evolution of WTE since the 1980s, discuss the facilities currently operating and some that recently closed. It will also discuss the composition of (mostly) residential Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), what can currently be recycled and some of the potential recycling possibilities in the near future. Technologies that are being advanced to possibly use other MSW materials in a circular manner or to create renewable fuels to be used in a variety of ways will also be presented.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for environmental engineers, urban planners, policymakers, waste managers, and anyone interested in understanding the economics and technology of waste-to-energy processes.

Requirements

There are no prerequisites for this course. However, a basic understanding of renewable energy and waste management concepts is recommended.

What You Will Learn

• The evolution of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) since the 1980s.
• Currently operating and recently closed WTE facilities.
• The composition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
• Current and potential recycling possibilities for MSW.
• Emerging technologies for converting MSW into renewable energy.
• The economic challenges and opportunities of WTE.

After Completing This Course You Will Be Able To

• Understand the methods and technologies used in waste-to-energy conversion.
• Analyze the economic viability of waste-to-energy projects.
• Assess the challenges and opportunities in the waste-to-energy sector.
• Identify innovative technologies for converting waste into renewable energy.

Course Costs

The cost of the course is $149.00.

What Is Included?

• Instructional videos.
• Downloadable course materials.
• Certificate of completion.