Brief Overview of Refuse-Derived Fuel Production and Energetic Valorization: Applied Technology and Main Challenges

A large part of municipal solid waste (MSW) still goes to landfills, representing an environmental concern. circular economy approach can enable safe management MSW while mitigating the increasing energy needs when is used as a feedstock in production processes (waste energy). Currently, be converted into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) through mechanical and biological treatment processes. This study analyzes status RDF production, well its main destinations Portugal Europe. The legislation applied, possible energy-recovery routes, challenges associated with recovery are discussed throughout this paper. research finds that has been neglected, mostly because composition being quite heterogeneous poor properties. Therefore, need improve upgrade characteristics properties for waste-to-energy was detected. pretreated further applied waste-to-gas processes, such incineration gasification. technology readiness level data, costs, SWOT analysis allowedto assess although most mature widely technology, gasification becomes more attractive, having lower costs gaseous emissions, proving efficient sustainable conversion.