Energy trilemma based prioritization of waste-to-energy technologies: Implications for post-COVID-19 green economic recovery in Pakistan

As lockdown eases, economic activities resume in Pakistan. If the country continues to follow business as-usual (BAU) then it is anticipated that carbon output could surge past pre-COVID-19 levels that means more disasters in future. Thus, it is an unprecedented opportunity to shift from BAU and achieve carbon-neutral and nature-positive economic recovery green economic recovery (GER). To fuel the GER, access to modern, equitable, affordable and sustainable energy is paramount. This study explores waste-to-energy (WtE) as an alternative green fuel for GER. Seven WtE technologies are prioritized based on the concept of energy trilemma energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability. For the evaluation, an energy trilemma based decision support framework is developed using most prominent multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. The fuzzy set theory is integrated with MCDM methods to minimize uncertainty in results. Sixteen experts are engaged to score each WtE technology with respect to every energy trilemma dimension and sub-dimension. Gasification technology is found to be the most feasible option for WtE generation in Pakistan whereas Torrefaction technology is least favorable. It is concluded that the need to shift towards sustainable energy is more than ever to limit the carbon emission and prevent future crisis. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

As lockdown eases in Pakistan, economic activities have resumed and there is a risk of carbon output surging past pre-COVID-19 levels if business continues as usual. It is crucial to shift towards a green economic recovery to limit carbon emissions and prevent future crises. Utilizing waste-to-energy as an alternative green fuel for sustainable energy transition may be an effective way forward.