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Economic Feasibility of Using Municipal Solid Waste and Date Palm Waste for Clean Energy Production in Qatar

Author

Listed:
  • Ahmad Mohamed S. H. Al-Moftah

    (College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
    Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar)

  • Mohammad Alnajideen

    (College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK)

  • Fatima Alafifi

    (College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
    Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar)

  • Pawel Czyzewski

    (Institute of Thermal Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland)

  • Hao Shi

    (College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
    The Institute of Reactive Flows and Diagnostics, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany)

  • Mohammad Alherbawi

    (College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar)

  • Rukshan Navaratne

    (College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK)

  • Agustin Valera-Medina

    (College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK)

Abstract

The transition to clean energy is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving sustainable development. Reliance on fossil fuels, which are integral to manufacturing and transportation, remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biomass gasification presents a renewable energy alternative that can significantly reduce emissions. However, proper disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residues, such as date palm waste (DPW), is an increasing global challenge, including in Qatar. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of implementing an MSW and DPW gasification plant for clean electricity generation in Qatar. The country’s growing population and economic development have led to substantial waste production, making it an ideal location for waste-to-energy (WTE) initiatives. Using discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, the study estimates the capital cost of a 373 MW th facility at approximately $12.07 million, with annual operating costs of about $4.09 million and revenue of $26.88 million in 2023. The results indicate a net present value (NPV) of $245.77 million, a return on investment (ROI) of 84.80%, a payback period of approximately 5 years over a 20-year project lifetime and a net reduction of 206,786 tonnes CO 2 annually. These findings demonstrate the economic viability of biomass gasification in Qatar while contributing to reduced GHG emissions and advancing the country’s sustainability goals under Qatar National Vision 2030.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmad Mohamed S. H. Al-Moftah & Mohammad Alnajideen & Fatima Alafifi & Pawel Czyzewski & Hao Shi & Mohammad Alherbawi & Rukshan Navaratne & Agustin Valera-Medina, 2025. "Economic Feasibility of Using Municipal Solid Waste and Date Palm Waste for Clean Energy Production in Qatar," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:4:p:988-:d:1593920
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    References listed on IDEAS

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