The process of converting waste into energy (usually heat or electricity)

Small-scale waste-to-energy refers to the process of converting waste into energy (usually heat or electricity) using technologies such as incineration, gasification or anaerobic digestion, with systems designed to handle smaller volumes of waste than can be handled by large, centralized facilities. These systems are particularly suitable for decentralized applications, such as remote communities or industrial sites, where traditional waste management infrastructure may be limited or cost-prohibitive.
Key aspects of small-scale:

Scalability:
Small-scale systems are designed to process waste volumes ranging from a few tons to hundreds of tons per day, making them adaptable to a variety of needs.

Technology options:

Incineration: Burning waste produces heat that can be used directly or converted to electricity through a steam turbine.

Gasification and pyrolysis: Controlled heating in a low-oxygen environment converts waste into combustible gases (syngas) that can then be used for energy production.

Anaerobic digestion: Decomposition of organic waste in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas for power or heat generation.

Decentralized applications:

Rural communities: Provide energy and reduce reliance on landfills in remote areas.

Industrial sites: Manage waste generated by a specific industry and potentially provide on-site energy.

Disaster relief: Deploy mobile waste-to-energy systems to meet emergency energy needs in crisis situations.

Benefits:

Waste reduction: Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, minimizing environmental impact.

Energy recovery: Convert waste that would otherwise become waste into useful energy.

Reduced transportation: Decentralized systems can minimize waste transportation costs and emissions.
Local energy production: Provide energy security for local communities or businesses and potentially reduce energy costs.

Challenges:

Cost-effectiveness: Small systems may have higher unit processing costs than large facilities.

Technology selection: Choosing the right technology depends on the type and amount of waste, as well as the energy output required.

Public acceptance: Address concerns about air emissions and other potential environmental impacts.

Infrastructure and maintenance: Ensure proper collection, treatment, and system maintenance of waste.

Singapore’s perspective:
While Singapore has established large-scale waste-to-energy plants, the concept of small-scale waste-to-energy is relevant to its overall waste management strategy, especially when managing specific waste streams or in a localised context.