Feasibility Analysis for the Implementation of Thermal Treatment Technologies for Municipal Solid Waste in Colombia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the financial feasibility of electricity production projects in Colombia using thermal treatment technologies for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), by assessing the generation potential, the costs associated with investment, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, and the environmental impacts in terms of CO2 emissions. The study is developed for three capital cities that reflect different conditions of production and characteristics of the MSW, which are: Bogotá D.C., Cartagena and Manizales. MSW production volumes were determined from information reported by public sanitation service providers, while their lower calorific value was estimated from a predictive model referenced in the literature. The results of the study indicate that the development of these technologies, in the three cities mentioned, would allow to contribute 2.309 GWh/year, corresponding to approximately 3,3% of the electricity demand in Colombia; likewise, they would reduce CO2 emissions by more than 3 million tons per year, compared to the emissions generated by the final disposal of waste in sanitary landfills. The plant located in the city of Bogota would have the best financial performance, with an internal return rate of 7,1%, under the assumptions raised in the study.