Waste-to-Energy Conversion Using Advanced Thermochemical Processes for Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has led to a dramatic increase in municipal solid waste generation, posing significant environmental and public health challenges. Traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling and open burning, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, soil contamination, and air pollution. Waste-to-energy technologies have emerged as sustainable alternatives that convert waste materials into useful forms of energy, thereby addressing waste management and energy generation simultaneously. This study investigates advanced thermochemical conversion processes, including pyrolysis, gasification, and plasma arc technology, for efficient waste-to-energy conversion. The research integrates process modeling, energy analysis, and environmental impact assessment to evaluate the feasibility and performance of these technologies. The results demonstrate that thermochemical processes can achieve high energy recovery efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The study highlights the role of waste-to-energy systems in sustainable urban development and emphasizes the need for technological innovation and policy support to promote their adoption.