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Environmental and Economic Benefits of Waste Heat Recovery as a Symbiotic Scenario in Sweden

Author

Listed:
  • María Dolores Mainar-Toledo

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Avda. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Irene González García

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Avda. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Hector Leiva

    (CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, Parque Empresarial Dinamiza, Avda. Ranillas 3D, 1st Floor, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Jack Fraser

    (WA3RM AB, 211 41 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Danna Persson

    (WA3RM AB, 211 41 Malmö, Sweden
    Department of Management and Engineering, Division of Environmental Technology and Management, Linköping University (LiU), 581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Thomas Parker

    (WA3RM AB, 211 41 Malmö, Sweden
    Department of Management and Engineering, Division of Environmental Technology and Management, Linköping University (LiU), 581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

Abstract

This study pioneers a combined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) evaluation of an industrial symbiosis (IS) case involving waste heat recovery from a pulp and paper mill to a tomato greenhouse in Sweden. Unlike previous studies that assess environmental or economic aspects separately, this research provides a holistic assessment quantifying both environmental burdens and economic feasibility. A comparative analysis framework is applied, evaluating a symbiotic real case of waste heat recovery versus conventional greenhouse tomato production in the Netherlands and subsequent import to Sweden. LCA examines greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, toxicity, land use, and resource depletion, while LCC assesses total ownership costs, including Capital and Operational Expenditures. The findings demonstrate that the IS scenario significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs while enhancing energy efficiency. This work fills a gap in IS literature, offering a replicable framework for sustainable greenhouse operations. The results highlight the potential of IS to improve resource efficiency, promote circular economy strategies, and foster sustainable practices in the agri-food sector.

Suggested Citation

  • María Dolores Mainar-Toledo & Irene González García & Hector Leiva & Jack Fraser & Danna Persson & Thomas Parker, 2025. "Environmental and Economic Benefits of Waste Heat Recovery as a Symbiotic Scenario in Sweden," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-27, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1636-:d:1619698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mainar-Toledo, M.D. & Castan, M.A. & Millán, G. & Rodin, V. & Kollmann, A. & Peccianti, F. & Annunziata, E. & Rizzi, F. & Frey, M. & Iannone, F. & Zaldua, M. & Kuittinen, H., 2022. "Accelerating sustainable and economic development via industrial energy cooperation and shared services – A case study for three European countries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
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