Energy contribution of OFMSW (Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste) to energy-environmental sustainability in urban areas at small scale

Journal Article (2017)
Author(s)

Umberto Di Matteo (Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi)

B. Nastasi (TU Delft - Building Physics)

Angelo Albo (Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi)

Davide Astiaso Garcia (Sapienza University of Rome)

Research Group
Building Physics
Copyright
© 2017 Umberto Di Matteo, B. Nastasi, Angelo Albo, Davide Astiaso Garcia
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/en10020229
More Info
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Publication Year
2017
Language
English
Copyright
© 2017 Umberto Di Matteo, B. Nastasi, Angelo Albo, Davide Astiaso Garcia
Research Group
Building Physics
Issue number
2
Volume number
10
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Abstract

Urban waste management is one of the most challenging issues in energy planning of medium and large cities. In addition to the traditional landfill method, many studies are investigating energy harvesting from waste, not as a panacea but as a foreseeable solution. Thermo-chemical conversion to biogas, or even bio-methane under certain conditions, could be an option to address this challenge. This study focuses on municipal solid waste conversion to biogas as a local energy supply for the cities. Three urban models and their subdivision into urban areas were identified along with a typical Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) matrix for each urban area. Then, an energy analysis was carried out to provide an optimization map for an informed choice by urban policy-makers and stakeholders. The results highlighted how the urban context and its use could affect the opportunity to produce energy from waste or to convert it in fuel. So, in this case, sustainability means waste turning from a problem to a renewable resource.