Evaluation of options for energy recovery from municipal solid waste in India using the hierarchical analytical network process

J.D. Nixon, P.K. Dey, S.K. Ghosh, P.A. Davies

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this paper a Hierarchical Analytical Network Process (HANP) model is demonstrated for evaluating alternative technologies for generating electricity from MSW in India. The technological alternatives and evaluation criteria for the HANP study are characterised by reviewing the literature and consulting experts in the field of waste management. Technologies reviewed in the context of India include landfill, anaerobic digestion, incineration, pelletisation and gasification. To investigate the sensitivity of the result, we examine variations in expert opinions and carry out an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis for comparison. We find that anaerobic digestion is the preferred technology for generating electricity from MSW in India. Gasification is indicated as the preferred technology in an AHP model due to the exclusion of criteria dependencies and in an HANP analysis when placing a high priority on net output and retention time. We conclude that HANP successfully provides a structured framework for recommending which technologies to pursue in India, and the adoption of such tools is critical at a time when key investments in infrastructure are being made. Therefore the presented methodology is thought to have a wider potential for investors, policy makers, researchers and plant developers in India and elsewhere.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)215-223
Number of pages9
JournalEnergy
Volume59
Early online date20 Jul 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2013

Keywords

  • municipal solid waste management
  • analytical hierarchy process
  • hierarchical analytical network process
  • multi-criteria decision-making
  • waste to energy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evaluation of options for energy recovery from municipal solid waste in India using the hierarchical analytical network process'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this