Hybrid renewable energy systems involving thermochemical conversion process for waste-to-energy strategy

Abstract

Waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion processes integrated with other renewable energy processes (thermochemical hybrid WtE systems) have emerged rapidly as a strategy for simultaneously achieving waste disposal and lessening reliance on fossil fuels. The selection of proper hybrid WtE system configurations is crucial for sustainable and feasible power generation. Understanding the possible configurations of thermochemical waste processing (gasification, pyrolysis, or hydrothermal conversion) and renewable energy technologies (solar thermal, photovoltaics, thermophotovoltaics, solid oxide fuel cells, and anaerobic digestion) is vital for further development and propagation. However, there is a lack of articles that give comparative analysis of the hybrid WtE systems. Herein, we provide a systematic review of existing sustainable energy systems that integrate the thermochemical conversion of various kinds of waste with other renewable energy technologies. The challenges associated with bioenergy-based integrated systems are discussed along with suggestions for future research.