Waste-to-hydrogen and power co-production by sorption-enhanced solid waste gasification with in-situ CO2 capture: An integrated techno-economic and environmental impact evaluation

Deployment of innovative solutions for solid waste valorisation is of paramount importance for the circular economy. The techno-economic and environmental implications of decarbonized sorption-enhanced waste gasification for co-generation of hydrogen and power are examined in the current work. The analysed process employs a looping cycle configuration with a calcium-based solid sorbent, resulting in a positive impact on CO 2 capture and energy conversion. A 100 MW Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) thermal input is used as a resource for the co-production of energy vectors (hydrogen & power), coupled with a carbon capture feature with min. 95% rate. A conventional waste gasification process without carbon capture serves as a benchmark for evaluating the energy and economic impacts of decarbonization. The results of the key performance indicators demonstrate that decarbonised sorption-enhanced RDF gasification improves overall energy efficiency (about 50%) and, at the same time, helps reduce energy requirements and cost penalties associated with the decarbonization process (down to about 8 - 9 net efficiency points). Furthermore, the studied system is characterized by a reduction in specific carbon emissions at the system level (about 5 - 6 kg/MWh), whilst showing negative carbon emissions across overall value chain (−353.68 kg CO 2 eq./MWh). To scale-up the current waste-to-energy (WtE) capacities to industrial levels, further advancements need to be made in reactor design, increased conversion efficiencies, and improved sorbent stability. • Hydrogen and power co-production by sorption-enhanced solid waste gasification. • Techno-economic and environmental analysis of decarbonized WtE concept. • The process shows about 50% energy conversion efficiency with 99% CO 2 capture rate. • Economics is very promising in respect to hydrogen, power and CO 2 avoidance costs. • Decarbonized sorption-enhanced plant has negative CO 2 emissions (−353 kg CO 2 eq./MWh).