Abstract
Power generation by waste has been suggested as one possible way that municipal solid waste treatment can contribute to the development of a sound material-cycle society with a low-carbon footprint. While the total power generation capability of power generation by waste is improving each year, it currently remains at 1615 MW, as of 2008. There is an obvious need to further improve the total power generation capability and make the overall process for power generation by waste more efficient. In line with this, the concept of wide area disposal has been proposed as a means of raising the efficiency of waste-fueled power generation. However certain problems, such as region-specificity and certain hurdles in the system, still exist when considering the option of expanded waste collection areas.
While outlining the practical problems that arise with wide area disposal, this paper also introduces the ideal situation, emphasizing the viewpoint of expanded power generation by waste through wide area disposal. Moreover, as a result of turning six prefectures in the Kinki Region into a model area for the introduction and possible expansion of this technology, it was found that there are obvious cost merits to the system when it comes to the production of electricity, reduction of CO2 emissions, and the need for refuse transportation.
