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Sustainable Energy Transition: Converting Textile Water Sludge (TWS) to Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) in Taiwan

Author

Listed:
  • Yen-Chen Chang

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan)

  • Yun-Hwei Shen

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 701, Taiwan)

Abstract

The conversion of textile water sludge (TWS) into solid recovered fuel (SRF) represents a promising approach to addressing environmental challenges, advancing waste-to-energy strategies, and promoting circular economy principles. This manuscript explores Taiwan’s innovative efforts in SRF production from textile industry waste, highlighting its integration into industrial processes, regulatory frameworks, and global relevance. The study examines the key technological processes involved, including sorting, drying, and torrefaction, which enhance fuel properties such as calorific value and combustion efficiency. Challenges related to raw material availability, quality control, economic viability, and public perception are analyzed alongside potential solutions such as advanced processing technologies, government incentives, and industry collaboration. Comparisons with international practices reveal Taiwan’s leadership in leveraging textile water sludge as a feedstock while identifying opportunities for further alignment with global standards and scalability. The environmental benefits of SRF, including waste reduction and greenhouse gas mitigation, are juxtaposed with risks like emissions control and high production costs. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of SRF production from textile water sludge as a sustainable solution for waste management and energy generation, contributing to Taiwan’s net-zero emissions goals and offering valuable insights for global adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Yen-Chen Chang & Yun-Hwei Shen, 2025. "Sustainable Energy Transition: Converting Textile Water Sludge (TWS) to Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) in Taiwan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-25, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:774-:d:1585982
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aravin Prince Periyasamy, 2024. "Recent Advances in the Remediation of Textile-Dye-Containing Wastewater: Prioritizing Human Health and Sustainable Wastewater Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-41, January.
    2. Wen-Tien Tsai, 2023. "Perspectives on the Promotion of Solid Recovered Fuels in Taiwan," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-9, March.
    3. Aimin Gao & Qianyu Dong & Wei Sun, 2024. "Study on Flat Die Wear Characteristics in Flat Die Pelletizing with Different Material Ratios Based on DEM-FEM," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Juan Jesús De la Torre Bayo & Montserrat Zamorano Toro & Luz Marina Ruiz & Juan Carlos Torres Rojo & Jaime Martín Pascual, 2023. "Analysing the Sustainability of the Production of Solid Recovered Fuel from Screening Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-15, September.
    5. Vesna Mislej & Barbara Novosel, 2022. "Specification and Classification of Pelletised Dried Sewage Sludge: Identifying Its Key Properties as a Renewable Material for Enabling Environmentally Non-Harmful Energy Utilisation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
    6. Ewa Siedlecka & Jarosław Siedlecki, 2021. "Influence of Valorization of Sewage Sludge on Energy Consumption in the Drying Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-19, July.
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