Analysis of the economic viability of the pyrolysis process for treating municipal solid waste: a case study applied to a medium-sized city

Abstract

Find new solutions for the treatment of municipal solid waste is a challenge of modern society. The fast pyrolysis process arises as an alternative, besides generating by-products of commercial value. The general objective of this work is to evaluate the economic viability of the pyrolysis process for treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) applied to a medium-sized town. To meet the overall objective were determined specific objectives who understood the locational alternatives study and methods of investment analysis provided certainty, uncertainty, and risk analysis. The pyrolysis process for MSW was attractive due to high operating costs and taxes on the sale of electricity and fertilizer. The Net present value-NPV resulting cash flow is negative and there is no return on capital invested, for both the enterprise and the investor's cash flow. In this case, the research has enabled the study of various scenarios for economic viability of the project through sensitivity analysis. Considering the possibility of integration with more municipalities to supplement the volume of raw material, reducing the cost of transport of MSW pyrolysis plant and even the increase in the price of electrical energy for sale, or tax exemption, the project is a cost effective alternative, while in addition to the economic benefits, the pyrolysis plant enables the Elimination of environmental liabilities generated by landfills.