Comparative Analysis of Waste to Energy (WTE) Conversion Processes for Electricity Generation from Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Abstract
Selecting an appropriate waste-to-energy (WTE) process requires evaluating electricity generation potential, environmental impacts, and economic viability. This study compared landfill gas-to-energy, incineration, and anaerobic digestion for electricity generation from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. The methodology comprised determining waste quantities and composition available for each process, estimating electricity generation, assessing environmental impacts, and evaluating economic performance through life cycle cost analysis. The assessment used ASTM D5231 and ASTM D2382-88, per capita waste generation estimates, population data from the National Population Commission, LandGEM 3.02, a Parr 6100 bomb calorimeter, and GaBi Education version 9.2.1.68 for life cycle assessment. Landfill gas-to-energy provided the highest estimated electricity generation potential, at 33,175,973.48 kWh/year, making it the preferred option when electricity output was the primary criterion. Anaerobic digestion exhibited the lowest environmental impacts across all assessed impact categories and the most favorable economic performance, characterized by the lowest levelized cost of electricity, a life cycle cost of USD 260,700.19, and a payback period of 4.13 years. These findings demonstrate that the preferred conversion process depends on the evaluation criterion: landfill gas-to-energy offers the greatest electricity generation potential, whereas anaerobic digestion provides stronger environmental and economic performance. The study provides comparative evidence to inform WTE technology selection and project planning in Kano Metropolis. Further research should evaluate alternative processes, including pyrolysis and gasification, and examine the development of a comprehensive legal framework and implementation roadmap for WTE projects in Nigeria.