Plasma gasification versus incineration of plastic waste: Energy, economic and environmental analysis

The rise in plastic waste production and its mismanagement poses huge environmental issues. Thermochemical techniques can minimize the amount of plastic waste discarded in landfills, reduce carbon footprints, increase conversion efficiency, and be cost-effective. Studies that compare the economic feasibility and environmental impact of treatment of mixed plastic waste for power generation via thermochemical methods are limited. The present study compares the electricity generation potential, economic feasibility, and environmental performance of plasma gasification and incineration of mixed plastic waste in China. The prominent findings show that plasma gasification's total power generation potential is 4378.6 GWh, while incineration is 491.2 GWh. The economic feasibility analysis shows that both projects are feasible with a positive net present value. Plasma gasification is highly beneficial with a higher net present value ($309.1 million), return on investment (32.1%), internal rate of return (27%), lower payback period (5.3 years), and levelized cost of energy ($0.230/kWh). The environmental assessment indicates that compared to the environmental impact, the environmental benefits of both projects are little. Relative to incineration, the environmental performance of plasma gasification is promising. This paper can give scientific guidance for optimal investment and decision-making on the environmental sustainability of mixed plastic waste treatment.