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Harnessing Untapped Waste-to-Energy Potential in Jordan

 
 

Introduction

Despite the increasing volume of municipal waste in Jordan, there's limited utilization of waste for energy production, exacerbating environmental challenges and hindering progress towards renewable energy goals. This untapped potential represents a significant opportunity for the development of a new market centered around waste-to-energy solutions, which could drive innovation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in the region.

Jordan’s renewable energy mix is dominated in solar and wind, with smaller capacities in bioenergy, hydropower, and geothermal sources.

Biomass energy presently constitutes 0.1% of Jordan’s total energy consumption, mainly sources from logs, chips, bark and sawdust with wood comprising about 44% of the total biomass. Animal manure constitutes 96% of the country’s biomass, with olive trees and pomace making up 1.8%.

 

In the last five years, Jordan has generated an average amount of municipal waste of about 3 million tons. Of this, 40% is organic material, including food waste. Additionally, 10% consists of recyclable materials like paper, plastic, glass, ferrous metals, and aluminum. With a calorific value of 8.1MJ/kg, this incinerable waste has substantial energy potential, theoretically capable of producing 340kWh of electricity per ton. The organic waste fraction also offers methane gas capture opportunities estimated at 170m3 per ton of waste.

 

 
 

Challenges

Jordan’s Renewable Readiness Assessment shows a rise in bioenergy resources primarily from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), driven by population growth. A pilot MSW plant has been operational since 2000, with expansion plans underway. Animal waste is abundant in the northern governorates, suitable for small-scale heating and cooking. Jift, a byproduct of olive oil harvesting total an approximate 19,000 MT annually. The Green Growth National Action Plan emphasizes promoting inclusive innovation in technology and processes to leverage and waste-to-energy potential.

The underutilization of waste-to-energy potential perpetuates fossil fuel dependence. Various waste-to-energy technologies are available in Jordan, including incineration, landfilling, and anaerobic digestion. Despite initial costs, these methods offer economic benefits and relatively less environmental impact than traditional waste disposal. Landfill gas utilization helps curb untreated landfill gases, yet landfilling itself produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Anaerobic digestion effectively reduces emissions and treats organic waste by converting it into renewable gas.

 
 
 
 

Suggested Approaches

Advancements in anaerobic digestion technology promise increased economic competitiveness, pathogen reduction, and sanitized compost production. Implementing sorting and recycling practices at waste generation sources is crucial to minimize environmental impact, 43 Building Problem Statements: Problem Statements as incinerating unsorted waste, particularly plastics, releases harmful substances, exacerbating climate change. The objective of this Problem Statement is to unlock a new potential market for waste-to-energy, starting with small-scale projects.

The issue affects the entire waste value chain, including waste collection, treatment, and disposal, as well as energy generation and distribution. This presents an opportunity to innovate across multiple segments of the waste management and renewable energy industries.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to pursue startups developing innovative waste-to-energy technologies like anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and gasification. These methods efficiently convert diverse waste materials into clean, renewable energy sources, addressing environmental pollution and promoting a circular economy.

By recycling carbon from industrial off-gases and biomass resources such as municipal solid waste, organic industrial waste, and agricultural waste, entrepreneurs can reduce emissions and create products for a circular carbon economy, including transportation biofuels, renewable chemicals, and everyday items.

Entrepreneurs could prioritize organics-to-renewable energy projects, converting household garbage into low-carbon fuels and repurposing unrecyclable plastic waste for clean recycled plastics or alternative fuels. Advanced gasification systems offer opportunities for self-generated, low-cost heat and power from waste fuels. Additionally, innovative solutions in food and plant waste disposal, such as anaerobic digestion, can transform waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer.

 
 

Ideation Hub

We have offered viable solution approaches for each of the four sectors to spark your creativity, but we highly encourage you to bring your originality and unique perspectives to the table.

You can use these ideas as a starting point, but we urge you to think outside the box. Let’s come up with pioneering ideas to transform Jordanian industry.
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