Municipal solid waste to biomass energy in Türkiye: A life cycle assessment approach for circular economy integration

This study assesses the potential of biomass energy derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) in T & uuml;rkiye, focusing on its contribution to the national energy portfolio and the circular economy. T & uuml;rkiye, facing increasing energy demand and environmental challenges, has a growing need to diversify its energy sources. By utilizing MSW, the country can simultaneously address waste management issues and generate renewable energy. The analysis, based on data from 2010 to 2020, reveals that T & uuml;rkiye's theoretical biomass potential from MSW was approximately 31,789 kt, with an electricity generation potential of 379,698 GWh, representing 7.81 % of the country's electricity demand. This study uses a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate the environmental impacts of different WtE technologies, including pyrolysis, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. The LCA results show that adopting these technologies could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Furthermore, regional analysis highlights the Marmara region as having the highest biomass energy potential, contributing over 35 % of T & uuml;rkiye's total MSW production. Projections for 2030 suggest that T & uuml;rkiye's annual waste generation could exceed 35 million tons, offering even greater potential for biomass energy production. In addition, this study compares T & uuml;rkiye's WtE potential with that of other countries, particularly in the European Union, and suggests that by adopting similar technologies and policy frameworks, T & uuml;rkiye can enhance its energy independence and meet its renewable energy targets. The results underscore the importance of integrating MSW-derived biomass energy into T & uuml;rkiye's national energy strategy, contributing to a sustainable and circular economy model.