Integrating energy justice principles in waste-to-energy conversion: A multi-criteria decision framework for sustainable urban waste management
The increasing global challenges of waste management and energy shortages have necessitated the exploration of innovative solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also promote social equity in energy production. Rapid urbanization and increasing energy demands have intensified the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Sustainable Futures |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666188825007385 |
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| Summary: | The increasing global challenges of waste management and energy shortages have necessitated the exploration of innovative solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also promote social equity in energy production. Rapid urbanization and increasing energy demands have intensified the need for sustainable waste management strategies that can also contribute to equitable energy transitions. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies offer a promising pathway by addressing both environmental burdens and energy shortages. This study investigates the integration of energy justice principles into the evaluation and selection of optimal WtE technologies. A comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making framework is developed using the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to assess six WtE alternatives: anaerobic digestion, gasification, incineration, pyrolysis, fermentation, and landfill with gas extraction. The framework evaluates social, environmental, and economic dimensions of energy justice through 16 specific indicators. Results show that anaerobic digestion ranks highest in terms of sustainability and justice, while landfill gas extraction is the least favorable. This study highlights the importance of aligning WtE strategies with energy justice principles to ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens. The findings offer practical insights for urban policymakers and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable energy planning. |
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| ISSN: | 2666-1888 |