The economic and environmental performance of the production of bioethanol from municipal solid waste in the UK

Abstract

Background: Waste management, energy resource development and sustainability are all subject matters of global interest that have led to the development of low-carbon alternative fuels, such as bioethanol from biological wastes. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic and environmental performance of using municipal solid waste (MSW) for bioethanol production within the UK. Results: Life cycle analysis and economic evaluation techniques were used to determine the GHG emissions and economic performance of a prospective MSW plant operating to recover recyclables and produce ethanol from the remaining biological component. It was determined that an MSW plant producing 26 million l of ethanol per year and recovering a total of 49,000 tonnes per year of glass metals and plastics would have an internal rate of return of 27% and net GHG emissions savings of 137%. Conclusion: The process was shown to be a favorable option for treating MSW in the UK, provided appropriate tipping fees and government subsidies are in place.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge A Stephenson, and TMO Renewables Ltd scientists, analysts and engineers, for their contribution to the study.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors’ research is supported and funded by all shareholders within TMO Renewables Ltd as both are employees of the company. The authors have a financial interest with regard to the subject matter and materials discussed in this manuscript; therefore, not all data regarding operating efficiencies, technical specifications and conversion factors around the main TMO Renewables Ltd process (ethanol production) have been disclosed. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.