Economic Feasibility of Using Municipal Solid Waste and Date Palm Waste for Clean Energy Production in Qatar

Ahmad Mohamed S. H. Al-Moftah, Mohammad Alnajideen (), Fatima Alafifi, Pawel Czyzewski, Hao Shi, Mohammad Alherbawi, Rukshan Navaratne and Agustin Valera-Medina
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Ahmad Mohamed S. H. Al-Moftah: College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
Mohammad Alnajideen: College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
Fatima Alafifi: College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
Pawel Czyzewski: Institute of Thermal Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
Hao Shi: College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
Mohammad Alherbawi: College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 5825, Qatar
Rukshan Navaratne: College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
Agustin Valera-Medina: College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: The transition to clean energy is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving sustainable development. Reliance on fossil fuels, which are integral to manufacturing and transportation, remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biomass gasification presents a renewable energy alternative that can significantly reduce emissions. However, proper disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and agricultural residues, such as date palm waste (DPW), is an increasing global challenge, including in Qatar. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of implementing an MSW and DPW gasification plant for clean electricity generation in Qatar. The country’s growing population and economic development have led to substantial waste production, making it an ideal location for waste-to-energy (WTE) initiatives. Using discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, the study estimates the capital cost of a 373 MW th facility at approximately $12.07 million, with annual operating costs of about $4.09 million and revenue of $26.88 million in 2023. The results indicate a net present value (NPV) of $245.77 million, a return on investment (ROI) of 84.80%, a payback period of approximately 5 years over a 20-year project lifetime and a net reduction of 206,786 tonnes CO 2 annually. These findings demonstrate the economic viability of biomass gasification in Qatar while contributing to reduced GHG emissions and advancing the country’s sustainability goals under Qatar National Vision 2030.

Keywords: biomass gasification; municipal solid waste; date palm waste; economic feasibility; Qatar National Vision 2030 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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