Overview of biomass-based waste to renewable energy technology, socioeconomic, and environmental impact

Abstract

The increasing energy demand has impacted global economic development. The increase in energy and the growing economy have strained the supply chain of energy sources. The higher energy demand can still be covered by the availability of fossil energy, making it one of the sources of environmental pollution. Therefore, finding safe, renewable, and sustainable alternatives has become urgent. Energy from waste is one of the alternative sources to fossil fuels as it is sustainable for economic, social, and environmental growth. A significant contributor to the development of renewable energy, the economy, and the environment is municipal solid waste (MSW). Waste disposal and scarcity of renewable energy sources have become challenging problems, especially in developing countries. This has caused problems both economically, socially, and environmentally. Based on these problems, researchers' interest in converting and developing alternative energy from solid waste has attracted worldwide attention. Reliable waste-to-energy technologies have been developed under various scenarios such as plasma, thermal conversion (pyrolysis, incineration, torrefaction, and gasification), biochemical, and mechanical technologies. In addition, automated biological treatment technologies (MBT), bioelectrochemical, and photo-biological processes aim to remedy developing countries' energy scarcity. The framework for evaluating solid waste-to-energy technologies was reviewed in depth to facilitate the work of researchers in carrying out their duties in the field. Furthermore, this review is to conclude that renewable energy sources from solid waste have the potential to meet energy needs. Thus, MSW management can address environmental pollution efficiently.