Carbon Footprint Evaluation of Industrial Wastes Based Solid Fuel in the Context of Its Use in a Cement Plant

Refuse Derived Fuel is energy derived from converting various wastes including municipal solid waste, industrial waste and other combustible components into alternative fuels as a coal substitute. This sustainable technology can significantly reduce the carbon footprint and provide additional environmental credentials, as, without these energy recovery techniques, the non-recyclable waste would be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the carbon footprint of industrial wastes-based solid fuel (IWSF) using a life cycle assessment approach developed using a mixture of hazardous waste and biomass. The utilization of hazardous waste to produce solid fuel and its usage as a substitute fuel in cement kilns is relatively a novel approach. The simple and structured carbon footprint method used in this study has considered the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation of waste, manufacturing of IWSF, waste disposal, IWSF utilization in the cement manufacturing plant, and IWSF end of life. The feasibility of cofiring IWSF at a rate of 5 tons/h (10% of IWSF) with coal in the cement kiln and the GHG emissions associated with replacing the coal with IWSF are investigated. The overall carbon footprint of the IWSF is quantified in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and represented in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO(2)e). The evaluations estimated that the carbon footprint of using a mixture of IWSF and coal is equal to 0.185 kg CO(2)e. MJ(-1). The findings indicate that replacing solar panels and 70% of conventional fluorescent lamps at the IWSF manufacturing plant with LED bulbs could reduce 24.8% and 45.5% of energy, respectively. In summary, the results showed that cofiring IWSF at a rate of 5 tonnes/h in cement kilns could help reduce CO2 emissions, lower clinker production costs due to the use of cheaper fuel, and promote sustainability. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is an alternative energy source that can lower carbon footprint and provide environmental credentials by converting various wastes into fuel. This study focuses on estimating the carbon footprint of industrial wastes-based solid fuel (IWSF) and explores the feasibility of replacing coal with IWSF in cement kilns. The results show that cofiring IWSF can reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainability.