Refuse derived fuels as an immediate strategy for the energy transition, circular economy, and sustainability

The production of Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) from Municipal Solid Waste is one of the routes to attain a circular economy as it promotes the circular loop of materials and energy. Furthermore, in addition to the waste-to-energy approach, RDF production reduces the amount of waste disposed in landfills, thus reducing greenhouse gasses emissions and water streams' contamination. Nevertheless, there are still numerous technological constraints to RDF use, namely, its moisture content and granulometry that are highly dependent on the production process. In this context, this work discusses the contribution of RDF to the promotion of the circular economy, presenting the main RDF properties and production processes. An analysis of the RDF market in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa was performed by analyzing imports and exports. The analysis highlights the expansion of RDF as an energy source in current times with Europe as a driving force for its integration following circular economy guidelines. However, incentives would significantly speed up RDF adoption and decrease the carbon footprint as a short-term mitigation strategy.

Automated summary

The production of Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) from Municipal Solid Waste is a route to achieve a circular economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are technological constraints related to moisture content and granulometry in RDF production.