Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Waste-to-Energy

• The role of WtE in the waste hierarchy and integrated waste management.

• Waste characterization for energy recovery: calorific value, moisture content.

• Exercise: Calculating the energy potential of a municipal solid waste stream.

Module 2: Mass-Burn Incineration

• Process description: receiving, combustion, energy recovery, flue gas cleaning.

• Boiler design, steam cycle, and electricity generation.

• Case Study: Tour of a modern mass-burn WtE facility (virtual or actual).

Module 3: Flue Gas Cleaning and Air Pollution Control

• Control of acid gases, particulate matter, heavy metals, and dioxins.

• Technologies: scrubbers, baghouses, activated carbon injection, SCR/SNCR for NOx.

• Workshop: Designing an air pollution control train for a WtE plant.

Module 4: Advanced Thermal Technologies

• Pyrolysis: process conditions, products (bio-oil, syngas, char), and applications.

• Gasification: principles, reactor types, and syngas cleanup for energy production.

• Exercise: Comparing the products and yields of pyrolysis vs. gasification.

Module 5: Biological Waste-to-Energy Processes

• Anaerobic digestion: microbiology, process parameters, and digester types.

• Biogas upgrading to biomethane and utilization for heat, power, or vehicle fuel.

• Workshop: Sizing an anaerobic digester for a given organic waste feedstock.

Module 6: Landfill Gas Recovery and Utilization

• Landfill gas generation modeling and collection system design.

• Gas treatment and energy conversion technologies.

• Case Study: Evaluating the economics of a landfill gas-to-energy project.

Module 7: Ash and Residue Management

• Characterization of bottom ash and fly ash.

• Treatment and utilization options for ash (e.g., in construction).

• Disposal requirements for hazardous air pollution control residues.

Module 8: Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting

• Key environmental impacts: air emissions, water use, and residue disposal.

• Health impact assessment and public engagement strategies.

• Permitting process and regulatory requirements.

Module 9: Economic Feasibility and Project Financing

• Capital and operating cost estimation for WtE plants.

• Revenue streams: tipping fees, energy sales, and carbon credits.

• Project financing models and risk allocation.

• Exercise: Conducting a simple discounted cash flow analysis for a WtE project.

Module 10: WtE Project Planning and Implementation

• Technology selection criteria and vendor evaluation.

• Contracting strategies: EPC, O&M, and public-private partnerships.

• Final Project: Developing a pre-feasibility report for a WtE facility, including technology recommendation, mass/energy balance, and high-level economic analysis.