Biosolids - a fuel or a waste? An integrated appraisal of five co-combustion scenarios with policy analysis

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2006 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es052181g· OSTI ID:20712313

Cartmell, Elise; Gostelow, Peter; Riddell-Black, Drusilla; Simms, Nigel; Oakey, John; Morris, Joe; Jeffrey, Paul; Howsam, Peter; Pollard, Simon J ^[1]

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1. Cranfield University, Cranfield (United Kingdom). Sustainable Systems Department, School of Industrial and Manufacturing Science

An integrated appraisal of five technology scenarios for the co-combustion of biosolids in the UK energy and waste management policy context is presented. Co-combustion scenarios with coal, municipal solid waste, wood, and for cement manufacture were subject to thermodynamic and materials flow modeling and evaluated by 19 stakeholder representatives. All scenarios provided a net energy gain (0.58-5.0 kWh/kg dry solids), having accounted for the energy required for transportation and sludge drying. Co-combustion within the power generation and industrial (e.g., cement) sectors is most readily implemented but provides poor water utility control, and it suffers from poor public perception. Co-combustion with wastes or biomass appears more sustainable but requires greater investment and presents significant risks to water utilities. Incongruities within current energy and waste management policy are discussed and conclusions for improved understanding are drawn. 28 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 20712313
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 40, Issue 3; Other Information: [e-mail]; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
09 BIOMASS FUELS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COCOMBUSTION
UNITED KINGDOM
BIOMASS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
SOLID WASTES
CEMENTS
COAL
SLUDGES
SEWAGE SLUDGE
ENERGY POLICY
WASTE MANAGEMENT
PULVERIZED FUELS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
THERMODYNAMIC MODEL
KILNS
WOOD
RISK ASSESSMENT
COST
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
BIOFUELS
ENERGY BALANCE
WATER UTILITIES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
SOCIAL IMPACT