MULTI CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS OF WASTE TO ENERGY SCENARIOS FOR ZAHRAT AL-FINJAN LANDFILL

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management in Palestine faces increasing challenges due to rising waste generation, limited landfill capacity, and a high dependence on imported electricity. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies present a potential solution capable of addressing both waste management and energy supply challenges. This study evaluates suitable WTE options for the Zahrat Al Finjan landfill in the northern West Bank using a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework while also assessing the technical feasibility of integrating WTE-generated electricity into the local power network. The analysis employs the Weighted Sum Method (WSM) to compare four scenarios: the current waste management practice (business-as-usual), flaring, landfill gas recovery, and incineration. The evaluation is based on technical, environmental, and socioeconomic criteria, including energy production, greenhouse gas emission reduction, waste reduction, public and occupational health impacts, and economic indicators such as net present value, internal rate of return, levelized cost of electricity, payback period, and job creation. Quantitative data were derived from feasibility studies, LandGEM modeling, and financial analysis, while qualitative criteria were assessed using expert surveys. The results indicate that incineration ranks as the most favorable option among the evaluated alternatives due to its high electricity generation potential exceeding 340 GWh per year, positive economic performance with a net present value greater than USD 114 million, and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through methane mitigation and fossil fuel substitution. Landfill gas recovery represents a technically feasible alternative with moderate environmental benefits but lower financial returns, while flaring provides a low-cost but limited-impact temporary solution. The continuation of existing waste management practices ranked lowest across the evaluated criteria. In addition to the technology selection analysis, a detailed grid impact assessment was conducted to evaluate the integration of a WTE incineration facility into the regional electricity network. Load flow simulations, voltage analysis, short-circuit studies, and power quality assessments were performed to examine the operational impacts of the proposed plant. The results show that the integration of the WTE facility improves voltage profiles, reduces loading on several network components, and enhances overall system stability. However, potential reverse power flow conditions may occur during periods of low demand, highlighting the need for operational coordination and possible demand-side management strategies. Overall, the study demonstrates that WTE implementation at the Zahrat Al Finjan landfill can contribute to both sustainable waste management and improved energy system performance in the northern West Bank.