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Municipal Solid Waste Gasification: Technologies, Process Parameters, and Sustainable Valorization of By-Products in a Circular Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Nicoleta Ungureanu

    (Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț

    (National Institute of Research—Development for Machines and Installations Designed for Agriculture and Food Industry—INMA Bucharest, 013813 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Sorin-Ștefan Biriș

    (Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Mariana Ionescu

    (Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Neluș-Evelin Gheorghiță

    (Department of Biotechnical Systems, Faculty of Biotechnical Systems Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

Gasification of municipal solid waste and other biogenic residues (e.g., biomass and biowaste) is increasingly recognized as a promising thermochemical pathway for converting non-recyclable fractions into valuable energy carriers, with applications in electricity generation, district heating, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of major gasification technologies, including fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow, plasma, supercritical water, microwave-assisted, high-temperature steam, and rotary kiln systems. Key aspects such as feedstock compatibility, operating parameters, technology readiness level, and integration within circular economy frameworks are critically evaluated. A comparative assessment of incineration and pyrolysis highlights the environmental and energetic advantages of gasification. The valorization pathways for main product (syngas) and by-products (syngas, ash, tar, and biochar) are also explored, emphasizing their reuse in environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. Despite progress, large-scale adoption in Europe is constrained by economic, legislative, and technical barriers. Future research should prioritize scaling emerging systems, optimizing by-product recovery, and improving integration with carbon capture and circular energy infrastructures. Supported by recent European policy frameworks, gasification is positioned to play a key role in sustainable waste-to-energy strategies, biomass valorization, and the transition to a low-emission economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicoleta Ungureanu & Nicolae-Valentin Vlăduț & Sorin-Ștefan Biriș & Mariana Ionescu & Neluș-Evelin Gheorghiță, 2025. "Municipal Solid Waste Gasification: Technologies, Process Parameters, and Sustainable Valorization of By-Products in a Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-49, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6704-:d:1708092
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