Sustainable Multi-Objective Models for Waste-to-Energy and Waste Separation Site Selection

Atour Taghipour (), Parvaneh Zeraati Foukolaei (), Maryam Ghaedi and Moein Khazaei
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Atour Taghipour: Faculty of International Business, Normandy University, 76600 Le Havre, France
Parvaneh Zeraati Foukolaei: Department of Management, Jouibar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jouibar 8613147761, Iran
Maryam Ghaedi: Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 4741613534, Iran
Moein Khazaei: Department of Industrial Management, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 1411713116, Iran

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 22, 1-18

Abstract: In the past, the Iranian government has excessively relied on fossil fuels, gas, and oil resources, leading to energy-related issues and increasing power outages in the provinces during peak seasons. One of the best opportunities for energy production in Iran is through the establishment of bio-methane and waste-based energy parks. This research aims to determine the optimal locations for waste sorting centers and the establishment of waste-to-energy plants. The coexistence and interaction of these two facilities will enhance system efficiency. To achieve this goal, two mathematical models, with three objectives, have been designed. The static allocation model assigns each industrial park to a waste sorting center, while the dynamic allocation model selects the shortest route from the industrial park to the waste-to-energy center. The first objective is to minimize establishment costs, while the second and third objectives aim to reduce the system’s waiting costs. Waiting for waste shipments leads to pollution, and the desirability and route length can increase the likelihood of organic pollution. Therefore, this research seeks to minimize these factors. The model results indicate that the sorting and energy production centers have been selected to incur the lowest establishment, transportation, and waiting costs. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis section of the model reveals the impact of coefficient changes on the model’s results.

Keywords: energy; sustainability; bio-methane; organic waste; waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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