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Review of Organic Waste-to-Energy (OWtE) Technologies as a Part of a Sustainable Circular Economy

Author

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  • Svetlana Zueva

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics (DIIIE), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Francesco Ferella

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics (DIIIE), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Valentina Corradini

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics (DIIIE), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Francesco Vegliò

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics (DIIIE), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

Abstract

Organic waste-to-energy (OWtE) technologies are playing a steadily increasing role in the Green Transition, thus becoming a powerful driver in the establishment of an ever more efficient and sustainable circular economy. The advantages of OWtE processes are well known: not only do they reduce the waste volumes sent to landfills or incineration plants, but also and foremost, through the energy they yield (biogenic carbon dioxide, amongst others), they reduce dependance on fossil fuels. This article gives a complete panorama of these technologies, starting from the classical methods and ending with a review of the latest modern novelties. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are highlighted, with particular focus on the formation of by-products and the relevant treatment aimed at preventing environmental pollution. Accordingly, modern techniques for increasing waste-to-energy efficiency and integrating the concept of circular economy and substitutability are analyzed from this perspective. Along with an analysis of modern scientific achievements in this area, practical examples of the implementation of technologies in European countries are given, with an emphasis on the obvious advantages, both economic and environmental.

Suggested Citation

  • Svetlana Zueva & Francesco Ferella & Valentina Corradini & Francesco Vegliò, 2024. "Review of Organic Waste-to-Energy (OWtE) Technologies as a Part of a Sustainable Circular Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3797-:d:1448222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ren, Xueyong & Shanb Ghazani, Mohammad & Zhu, Hui & Ao, Wenya & Zhang, Han & Moreside, Emma & Zhu, Jinjiao & Yang, Pu & Zhong, Na & Bi, Xiaotao, 2022. "Challenges and opportunities in microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of biomass: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 315(C).
    2. Al-Rumaihi, Aisha & Shahbaz, Muhammad & Mckay, Gordon & Mackey, Hamish & Al-Ansari, Tareq, 2022. "A review of pyrolysis technologies and feedstock: A blending approach for plastic and biomass towards optimum biochar yield," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
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    1. Divine Senanu Ametefe & George Dzorgbenya Ametefe & Dah John & Abdulmalik Adozuka Aliu & Macaulay M. Owen & Solehuddin Shuib & Aisha Hamid, 2025. "Energy Generation from Plastic Composites: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Practices and Technologies," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(2), pages 1307-1343, April.

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