Integration of a New Waste-to-Energy Plant: Waste Flows Modelling and Pricing Strategies for Financial Sustainability

Abstract

en

The imperative to transform waste management practices and reduce reliance on landfills stands at the forefront of the EU's ambitious objectives. While achieving complete material utilization of all waste is technically unattainable, the integration of Waste-to-Energy facilities into existing infrastructures emerges as a viable and environmentally conscious alternative for non-recyclable waste. However, the economic sustainability of such facilities in developed countries is contingent upon navigating market dynamics. Evaluating the financial viability of a project often requires access to information that is highly confidential within the competitive environment. This article presents a novel modelling tool designed to estimate key parameters crucial for economic assessments of the construction of a new facility, using a limited set of publicly available data. The main feature of the approach is the modelling of the current collection areas within the network of existing treatment facilities and thus the ability to identify the potential waste suitable for redirection to a new facility. Based on this information, a comprehensive pricing model is developed, serving as a foundational framework for negotiations with individual waste producers and collection companies. The price range determined for the negotiations then contributes to the overall economic balance sheet of the planned facility. The article highlights the significance of considering economic sustainability and provides valuable insights for investing in waste management under real-world conditions.

optimization; network flow problem; waste-to-energy; economic balance sheet

2024-09-08

Digital proceedings

19

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