A Study of Municipal Solid Waste in US and Its Utilization as Transportation Fuel or Energy Resource

United States produces the largest amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the world and its generation has been steadily growing. The amount of energy is equivalent to approximate 8~12 % of the energy consumed for transportation in US. Less than 10% of MSW is recovered for energy value in US, mostly by incineration. However, the incineration plant has low power production efficiency and is of environmental concerns. Gasification is viewed as an attractive process route for conversion of MSW into electricity and/or clean fuels. This presentation provides a critical review of MSW gasification technology development, current technology gaps, and research needs to enable more widespread use of MSW as a clean energy source or feedstock for liquid fuels.