Optimal strategies for integrating waste-to-energy conversion with CO2 capture and utilization (CCU)

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Utilizing CO2 as a commodity to produce value-added products is an intriguing option for industrial plants looking to reduce GHG emissions and help countries to meet their environmental commitments. However, there are significant challenges to such systems' economic performance and environmental benefits. These challenges are divided into three categories: 1) The carbon capture cost that can be comparable to the cost of CO2 conversion. It is necessary to develop alternative methods for reducing carbon capture energy consumption and cost. 2) Hydrogen production via electrolysis accounts for up to 70% of CCU production costs. Development of new strategies for lowering the cost of hydrogen is critical. 3) Competitiveness of the CCU products: Methanol is a well-known compound in CCU studies. However, its commercial viability would require a minimum selling price approximately three times current market prices (or the equivalent of a required carbon mitigation credit of $300-$700 per tonne of utilized CO2). As a result, it is critical to close this financial gap through the development of alternative chemicals and other products. The primary objective of this research program is to address these challenges through multiple research projects to design novel CCUS processes that are integrated with municipal solid waste (MSW) conversion and natural gas reforming. Three major stages comprise the proposed research program: 1. Novel CO2 capture technologies: We will focus on reducing energy consumption by designing a novel integrated stripping CO2 capture system. 2. Development of effective carbon-negative syngas production: Various technologies will be designed to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of syngas production, essential for many CCU products. The first approach is based on the development of effective MSW drying and gasification using microwave heating. The second approach involves developing three natural gas conversion technologies: 1) Electrified Tri-reforming and biogas reforming. 2) Electrified methane decomposition. 3) and Electrified reverse-water-gas shift reaction. Due to the scarcity of prior research on these concepts, a rigorous CFD simulation of the reactor will be conducted. Detail design using a three-dimensional modelling approach requires an in-depth numerical simulation technique that connects multiple Multiphysics disciplines, such as heat transfer, reaction, electromagnetics, and solid mechanics. Numerous heating methods will be investigated, including resistance, induction, and microwave. 3. Innovative CCU products: The development of an optimal configuration that comprises a wide range of CO2 products such as polymers, fuels, ethanol, DME, and fertilizers is the last stage of this research program. Viable options in order to maximize the synergies between MSW, CCU, and natural gas and to create the optimal product portfolio will be introduced.