Sustainable Multi-Objective Models for Waste-to-Energy and Waste Separation Site Selection

• Published in: Sustainability 2023-11, Vol.15 (22), p.15764
• Main Authors: Taghipour, Atour, Foukolaei, Parvaneh Zeraati, Ghaedi, Maryam, Khazaei, Moein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Alternative energy sources; Analysis; Circular economy; Decision making; Energy industry; Energy management systems; Energy minerals; Energy resources; Fossil fuels; Hydrogen; Hydrogen as fuel; Industrial locations; Industrial wastes; Infrastructure; Iran; Literature reviews; Mathematical models; Methane; Municipal solid waste; Natural resources; Outdoor air quality; Power failure; Provinces; Renewable resources; Sustainability; Waste management
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su152215764

In the past, the Iranian government has excessively relied on fossil fuels, gas, and oil resources, leading to energy-related issues and increasing power outages in the provinces during peak seasons. One of the best opportunities for energy production in Iran is through the establishment of bio-methane and waste-based energy parks. This research aims to determine the optimal locations for waste sorting centers and the establishment of waste-to-energy plants. The coexistence and interaction of these two facilities will enhance system efficiency. To achieve this goal, two mathematical models, with three objectives, have been designed. The static allocation model assigns each industrial park to a waste sorting center, while the dynamic allocation model selects the shortest route from the industrial park to the waste-to-energy center. The first objective is to minimize establishment costs, while the second and third objectives aim to reduce the system’s waiting costs. Waiting for waste shipments leads to pollution, and the desirability and route length can increase the likelihood of organic pollution. Therefore, this research seeks to minimize these factors. The model results indicate that the sorting and energy production centers have been selected to incur the lowest establishment, transportation, and waiting costs. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis section of the model reveals the impact of coefficient changes on the model’s results.