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Hybrid Waste-to-Energy Solutions within a Circular Economy Framework Directed towards Sustainable Urban Waste Management in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Ekua Afrakoma Armoo

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
    Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Accra P.O. Box LG 576, Ghana)

  • Satyanarayana Narra

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany)

  • Mutala Mohammed

    (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Accra P.O. Box LG 576, Ghana)

  • Belinda Boahemaa

    (The Brew-Hammond Energy Center, College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB, Kumasi AK-039-5028, Ghana)

  • Essossinam Beguedou

    (Department of Waste and Resource Management, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany)

  • Francis Kemausuor

    (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB, Kumasi AK-039-5028, Ghana)

  • Francis Boateng Agyenim

    (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Institute of Industrial Research, Accra P.O. Box LG 576, Ghana)

Abstract

Cities in developing countries continue to struggle with mounting waste management challenges. Within a circular economy framework, energy recovery is mostly nonexistent. Against that background, this study aimed to design and assess the viability of a hybrid waste-to-energy facility for the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) in Ghana by 2030. The proposed plant integrates solar PV, anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to treat unsegregated municipal solid waste. Three cases were developed for different product combinations. Material flow analysis was performed with STAN software 2.7.101. The results indicate that 1.6 million tons of MSW will be generated, to be potentially converted to 271 GWh of electricity, 6400 tons of hydrogen or 4400 tons of bio-compressed natural gas per year, along with additional products: compost, refuse-derived fuel and bio-oil. The economic indicators show that all cases are potentially viable in terms of the net present value (EUR 397 to 1030 million), internal rate of return (14–22%) and levelized cost of energy (0.11–0.18 EUR/kWh). As such, this study proves that waste to energy is a viable waste management solution for large metropolitan areas, with the potential to supply energy, alternative fuels and material products within a circular economy, though it requires the buy-in of policy makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekua Afrakoma Armoo & Satyanarayana Narra & Mutala Mohammed & Belinda Boahemaa & Essossinam Beguedou & Francis Kemausuor & Francis Boateng Agyenim, 2024. "Hybrid Waste-to-Energy Solutions within a Circular Economy Framework Directed towards Sustainable Urban Waste Management in Ghana," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:4976-:d:1412556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Portia Adade Williams & Satyanarayana Narra & Edward Antwi & Wilhemina Quaye & Elizabeth Hagan & Roland Asare & Johnny Owusu-Arthur & Vicky Shettigondahalli Ekanthalu, 2023. "Review of Barriers to Effective Implementation of Waste and Energy Management Policies in Ghana: Implications for the Promotion of Waste-to-Energy Technologies," Waste, MDPI, vol. 1(2), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Essossinam Beguedou & Satyanarayana Narra & Ekua Afrakoma Armoo & Komi Agboka & Mani Kongnine Damgou, 2023. "Alternative Fuels Substitution in Cement Industries for Improved Energy Efficiency and Sustainability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-29, April.
    3. Ayodele, T.R. & Ogunjuyigbe, A.S.O. & Alao, M.A., 2017. "Life cycle assessment of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies for electricity generation using municipal solid waste in Nigeria," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 200-218.
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