Assessing Methane Emission and Economic Viability of Energy Exploitation in a Typical Sicilian Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

Abstract

Sanitary landfills for municipal solid waste (MSW) represent one of the major anthropogenic source of GHGs emissions and are directly responsible of the climate changes we are facing nowadays. Indeed, the biodegradable organic matter of MSW undergoes anaerobic digestion producing the landfill gas (LFG), whose main components are CH4and CO2. Therefore, biomethane energy exploitation in MSW landfills will reduce GHGs emission positively affecting the global warming. The aim of the present study was to assess the methane production in a Sicilian landfill by comparing the results from field measurements of methane emission and the estimates achieved by applying different mathematical models. A subsequent energetic/economic analysis was carried out based on the Italian incentive mechanisms. Two different scenarios were simulated for LFG valorization considering either internal combustion engines or micro gas turbines. The evaluation of the economic viability was performed by applying the classic models of the Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return. The results of the present study showed that the LFG produced in the investigated landfill could be profitably used as energetic source and the economic income due to thermal and electrical energy valorization might positively contribute to the landfill management