As reported by Recycling Magazine in their article, “Reducing Carbon Emissions from Waste Disposal”, incineration plays a crucial role in waste management, reducing landfill waste while generating energy. However, the carbon dioxide emissions from burning waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gases and climate change.
Innovative Carbon Capture: Calcium Looping
One emerging solution is calcium looping, a process where calcium oxide captures CO₂ emissions, forming calcium carbonate at temperatures around 650°C. At 900°C, CO₂ is released, purified, and repurposed, reducing overall emissions.
Challenges & Economic Feasibility
Researchers at NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering led by Assoc. Prof. Grzegorz Lisak developed a detailed model to assess calcium looping’s viability in incineration plants. Key findings include:
- Using waste-derived fuels for heating makes the process more cost-effective.
- Recycling incineration ash as a calcium source further reduces costs.
- Carbon credits and emission taxation improve the economic viability of this technology.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Recycling Magazine.
