Evaluation of energy recovery and CO2 reduction potential in Japan through integrated waste and utility management

This paper examines the potential of integrated waste and utility power management over the mid-term planning horizon in Japan. Energy recovery and CO2 emission reduction were estimated under two situations: (1) energy recovery efforts within the current waste management/power generation framework and (2) integrated waste management with sewage treatment systems and electric power industries. Scenario simulation results showed that under the current policy framework it is not feasible to achieve large energy recovery and CO2 emission reduction, while the integrated waste management scenarios show the potential of large energy recovery which is equivalent to about an 18 million t-CO2 emission reduction. The utilization of dry wastes for power generation at existing fossil power stations is significant in achieving the result. We also consider the effects of the ‘CO2 emission per GW generated’ for electric power generation on the total CO2 emission reduction because it varies by country and assumptions selected. Although this research did not include an economic analysis, based on estimated CO2 emissions and energy recovery, the integrated scenarios indicate a large potential in countries that have high dependence of fossil power generation and relatively low power generation efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]