Characteristics of Selected Waste-To-Energy Technologies and Suitability for Oman

Abstract

The fast economic development and urbanization caused rapid increase of waste generation worldwide. Oman produced 1.5 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2012 which is expected to elevate to 1.89 million tons in 2030. This rapid increase needs to be tackled to reduce the generation rates along with the environmental impacts it imposes. Currently in Oman other than recycling there are no treatment facilities, and therefore dumping waste into the landfill is the only and ultimate way to dispose solid waste. Thus this research aims present the process and specific aspects of Waste-To-Energy (WTE) technologies and determine the suitable technology for Oman depending on its waste composition and characteristics. In conclusion, the waste characteristics shows the potential to set up a WTE technology in Oman which will help to reduce the amount of waste, greenhouse gas emissions, developing and maintaining costs of landfills, and tackle the issue of portable water by using the produced energy for seawater desalination.