Work

Carbon emission reduction potential of municipal solid Waste-to-energy under resource mismatch patterns: Evidence from urban agglomerations in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid urbanization exacerbates the contradiction between energy recovery from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and climate change mitigation under regional resource misdistribution. This study establish a high-precision MSW incineration treatment carbon emission accounting inventory based on the activity data of 166 cities and 324 incineration power plants in four major urban agglomerations in China. Based on the identified key drivers affecting the spatial differentiation of Carbon Emission Efficiency (CEE) of municipal solid Waste-to-energy (WTE), we discussed the long-term environmental impacts of energy recovery on integrated regional comprehensive management. The results indicate the share of carbon emissions from WTE increased from 16.18 % to 63.67 %, and the carbon reduction potential from energy substitution increased from 1.19 Mt to 16.63 Mt. The carbon reduction rate of the policy scenario that focuses on energy recovery efficiency is optimal. This study provides a sustainable vision and scientific policy recommendations for promoting integrated regional waste management.

Source: Resources Conservation and Recycling

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108188

Authors: Jingyi Zhao, Xin Li, Wei Liu, Lu Chen, Yunqi Yang, Minxi Wang

Institution: Chengdu University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Municipal Solid Waste Management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,270