A comparison assessment of landfill waste incineration and methane capture in the central region of Mexico

Abstract

This article aims to conduct a techno-economic feasibility assessment of producing energy by waste incineration and methane capture in the central region of Mexico. Three scenarios at different efficiency rates were considered: 50, 80 and 100%. For the methane project, yields and power capacity were determined using the potential generation rate and the degradable organic carbon content through the LandGEM model. For incineration, the waste calorific potential and the average moisture content were used to estimate the achievable electrical performance. The estimated annual energy was 35,018 GWh for methane, compared to 537.71 GWh for incineration. Both projects reported financial economic feasibilities when evaluated at a discount rate of 12%. Incineration reported an net present value of US$49,942,534 and an internal rate of return of 26% in contrast to US$4,054,109 and 17% for the methane project. Although the payback period for incineration was lower than for methane, its levelized cost of energy was significantly higher. These results are intended to assist the decision-making process when planning and developing waste management strategies under principles of circular economy in Mexico and similar regions worldwide.