Economic feasibility assessment of waste to energy technologies for the development of a sustainable municipal solid waste management system in Thailand

Excessive municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production presents a critical opportunity for waste to energy (WtE) in Thailand. Despite the potential benefits, there are gaps in understanding the sustainability of various WtE technologies. Through rigorous environmental, social, and financial assessment employing tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), income-based community wellbeing, and capital budgeting methods such as net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and internal rate of return (IRR), this research demonstrated the considerable potential of WtE to address environmental concerns, diminish reliance on fossil fuels, and yield positive socio-economic outcomes. The results revealed that MSW anaerobic digestion with energy recovery and fertilizers production had the highest NPV of THB 20,805, the highest BCR of 2.51, and an IRR of 20 %, making it the most economically feasible option. Integrated MSW incineration with anaerobic digestion with energy recovery and fertilizers production, while environmentally beneficial with the lowest overall environmental costs (THB -1.35 x 105), was less favorable economically due to higher capital and operational costs. The study underscored crucial policy implications, advocating for an approach that aligns with Thailand's sustainable renewable energy objectives following the Alternative Energy Development Plan and nationally determined contributions.