An-Najah National University 

 

Faculty of Graduate Studies 

 
 

 

 
 

 

DEVELOPING A MANAGERIAL FRAMEWORK 

FOR WASTE-TO-ENERGY IN PALESTINE: THE 

CASE STUDY OF ZAHRAT AL-FINJAN LANDFILL 

 
 
 

 
By 

Sara Fawaz Mohammad Hamza 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Supervisors 

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed 

Dr. Shadi Sawalha 
 

 
This Thesis is Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree 

of Master of Engineering Management, Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah 

National University, Nablus, Palestine. 
 

2023 



ii 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
DEVELOPING A MANAGERIAL FRAMEWORK 

FOR WASTE-TO-ENERGY IN PALESTINE: THE 

CASE STUDY OF ZAHRAT AL-FINJAN LANDFILL 

 
 

 
By 

Sara Fawaz Mohammad Hamza 
 

 

 
 

This Thesis was Defended Successfully on 20/10/2023 and approved by 

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed 
Supervisor 

 
Signature 

Dr. Shadi Sawalha 
Co-Supervisor 

 
Signature 

Insert Name 
External Examiner 

 
Signature 

Insert Name 
Internal Examiner 

 
Signature 



iii 

Dedication 

التفاني والعطاء، من خلقت وجودي من جوف العدم إلى أمي، هدى، ملحمة الحب وفرحة العمر، ومثال  

وحِ في جسدي وتباشير الصباحِ الغضالر إليها ابتهاج. 

إلى أبي، فواز، من تبدأ الحياة من يديه ويبزغ النّهار بطلّته قدوتي، ومثلي األعلى في الحياة؛ الشخص الذي 

 علَّمني كيف أعيش بكرامة وشموخ

وليلى الروح، سندي وعضدي ومشاطري أفراحي وأحزاني في هذه الحياةإلى محمد و سلمى ويوسف   

.أسمى رموز االخالص والوفاء ورفيق الدرب... الى عدي   

 إلى أرواح كّل من سبقونا إلى اهللا

 إلى فلسطين، البالد التي هي بحجم القلب،

وال شيء فيها قريب فيها بعيد ال شيء. 

 

   



iv 

Acknowledgment 

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all those who have 

supported me throughout the journey of completing this master thesis. First and 

foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Shadi Sawalha and Dr. 

Mohammad Al-Sayed, for their guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights 

expertise, patience, and dedication which were instrumental in shaping the direction of 

this study. I am truly grateful for their unwavering support and for pushing me to excel 

beyond my limits. 

I would also like to thank the faculty members for their contributions to my academic 

growth. Their lectures, discussions, and constructive feedback have broadened my 

understanding and enriched my learning experience. 

I am indebted to the participants of this study, whose willingness to share their time and 

knowledge made this research possible. Their insights and cooperation were invaluable 

in gathering the necessary data and enriching the quality of this work. 

Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the support of my family and friends. Their 

unconditional love, encouragement, and belief in my abilities provided me with the 

motivation to persevere through the challenges faced during this thesis. I am grateful for 

their constant encouragement, understanding, and patience during this demanding 

period of my academic journey. 

Finally, I would like to express my profound appreciation to all the individuals who 

have provided assistance, whether directly or indirectly, in the completion of this master 

thesis. Your contributions, whether in the form of insightful discussions, proofreading, 

or technical support, have significantly enhanced the quality of this study.  

To everyone mentioned above and to those whose names may not appear here, please 

accept my heartfelt gratitude for your support and encouragement throughout this 

journey. Your contributions have been invaluable, and I am sincerely grateful for your 

presence in my life. 

Thank you. 

[Sara] 



v 

Declaration 

I, the undersigned, declare that I submitted the thesis entitled: 

 

DEVELOPING A MANAGERIAL FRAMEWORK 

FOR WASTE-TO-ENERGY IN PALESTINE: THE 

CASE STUDY OF ZAHRAT AL-FINJAN LANDFILL 
 

 

I declare that the work provided in this thesis, unless otherwise referenced, is the 

researcher’s own work, and has not been submitted elsewhere for any other degree or 

qualification. 

 

 

 

 

   



vi 

Table of Contents 
 

Dedication ........................................................................................................................ iii 

Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................. iv 

Declaration ........................................................................................................................ v 

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. vi 

List of Tables ................................................................................................................. viii 

List of Figures .................................................................................................................. ix 

List of Appendices ............................................................................................................ x 

Abstract ............................................................................................................................ xi 

Chapter One:Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 

1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................... 1 

1.2 General Background ................................................................................................... 1 

1.3 Structure of the thesis ................................................................................................. 9 

1.4 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................... 9 

1.5 Objectives ................................................................................................................. 10 

1.6 Importance of the Study ............................................................................................ 10 

1.7 Literature Review ..................................................................................................... 11 

Chapter Two:Methodology ............................................................................................. 25 

2.1 Research Methodology ............................................................................................. 25 

2.2 Collecting the Data. .................................................................................................. 25 

2.3 Criteria for Analysis. ................................................................................................. 26 

2.3.1 MSW Composition and Energy Content. .............................................................. 26 

2.3.2 Power output potential evaluation for WTE technologies: .................................... 27 

2.4 Electricity production by the incineration technique. ............................................... 29 

2.5 Electrical energy generation using anaerobic digestion. .......................................... 30 

2.6 Estimating the Economic Impact .............................................................................. 32 

2.7 Revenues ................................................................................................................... 33 

2.8 SWOT Analysis ........................................................................................................ 33 

2.8.1 Formulation of SWOT Analysis Questions ........................................................... 35 

Chapter Three:Results and Discussion ........................................................................... 37 



vii 

3.1 Spatial Analysis ........................................................................................................ 37 

3.2 Assessment of the energy and financial potential of WTE technologies ................. 43 

3.2.1 An Assessment of LFGtE's Energy and Financial Potential ................................. 43 

3.2.2 Considerations on the power and financial viability of incineration method ........ 46 

3.2.3 Considerations on the energy and financial viability of digestion method ............ 47 

3.3 Comparability between LFGtE, AD, and incineration WTE systems ...................... 49 

3.4 SWOT Analysis for Incineration, Landfilling, and Anaerobic Digestion: - ............. 52 

3.4.1 SWOT Analysis for incineration ........................................................................... 53 

3.4.2 SWOT Analysis for the Landfilling Method: ........................................................ 57 

3.4.3 SWOT analysis for the anaerobic digestion method ............................................. 60 

Chapter Four:Conclusion and Recommendation ............................................................ 65 

List of Abbreviations ...................................................................................................... 68 

References ....................................................................................................................... 70 

Appendices ...................................................................................................................... 83 

ABCDEب  ............................................................................................................................... ا 

 

 

 

  



viii 

List of Tables 

Table 1: MSW features in Palestine ................................................................................ 26 

Table 2: MSW descriptive data governorates spatial analysis ........................................ 42 

Table 3: Coefficients that examined in evaluating various WTE systems ..................... 43 

Table 4: Constants for LFGtE technology's economic assessment ................................ 44 

Table 5: Assumptions for incineration WTE financial assessment ................................ 46 

Table 6: Comparison between AD, LFGtE and incineration WTE plant ....................... 50 

Table 7: SWOT analysis for the incineration method .................................................... 53 

Table 8: SWOT Analysis for the Landfilling Method .................................................... 57 

Table 9: SWOT analysis for the anaerobic digestion method ........................................ 60 

 

 

 

 

  



ix 

List of Figures 

Figure 1: Summary of renewable power options .............................................................. 2 

Figure 2: Solid Waste Composition in the West Bank ..................................................... 5 

Figure 3: Solid waste management hierarchies .............................................................. 13 

Figure 4: Stages in the anaerobic digestion process ....................................................... 16 

Figure 5: The evaluated annual MSW progress in the West Bank (ton/year) between 
2020 and 2030 .................................................................................................. 38 

Figure 6: Fractions of MSW and energy content (En) in the West Bank area ............... 39 

Figure 7: Location of Landfills and Transfer Stations and Random Dumpsites in West 
Bank .................................................................................................................. 40 

Figure 8: Predicted methane and electricity using LANDGEM model .......................... 45 

Figure 9: Electricity Generated from Incineration .......................................................... 47 

Figure 10: Annual biogas production and electricity ...................................................... 49 

 

 

 

 

  



x 

List of Appendices 

Appendix A:Landfill Gas Extraction _ FI ...................................................................... 83 

Appendix B:Equations for landfill technology ............................................................... 84 

Appendix C:Direct Incineration _ FI .............................................................................. 86 

Appendix D:Anaerobic Bio digestion _ FI ..................................................................... 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   



xi 

DEVELOPING A MANAGERIAL FRAMEWORK FOR WASTE-

TO-ENERGY IN PALESTINE: THE CASE STUDY OF ZAHRAT 

AL-FINJAN LANDFILL 

By 

Sara Fawaz Mohammad Hamza 

Supervisors 

Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed 

Dr. Shadi Sawalha 

Abstract 

Because of global population evolution and enhanced living standards, there's an 

orientation to renewable energy sources. One choice is using waste to generate 

electricity. The occupied Palestinian territories depends on imported electricity, 

encounter issues due to inaccurate waste management and large amount of municipal 

waste. This study focuses on the West Bank region, specifically Jenin's Zahrat Al-

Finjan dump (88% capacity). It aims to evaluate the environmental and economic 

effects of waste-to-energy systemsfocusing on landfilling, incineration, and anaerobic 

digestion. Each method undergoes a SWOT analysis to distinguish its strengths, 

weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This study started with a comprehensive 

literature review of Palestine's waste management andenergy demand. After that, it 

examines the waste-to-energy systems. Initial investment, potential electricity 

production, and environmental effects are compared between the three techniques. 

Information was collected through a set of semi-structured interviews with key 

members and officers in the relevant Palestinian government entities responsible for 

energy, environmental, and municipal solid waste management.  

The economic analysis examines critical factors such as initial investment, Net Present 

Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and 

Simple Payback Period (SPP). The analysis uses the data provided for each waste-to-

energy system to evaluate their economic feasibility. The results showed the importance 

of having a managerial framework for waste-to-energy in Palestine. The LCOE analysis 

compares costs of investment and operation for electricity generation techniques. 

Landfill has the lowest cost, followed by incineration, then digestion. Landfill is most 

cost-effective because of small expenses. Digestion more costs due to investment and 

lower electricity potential. IRR analysis shows that digestion has the highest profit 

potential, then landfill, and incineration with a slightly lower return. SPP analysis ranks 



xii 

landfill first in payback time, then incineration, and digestion last, indicating quicker 

cost recovery. Landfills generate 18.62 GWh of electricity annually but encounter issues 

such as methane emissions and limited area. Incineration includes high-temperature 

waste burning, proposing a modern approach with startup costs of $110 million. It 

yields 200 GWh of annual electricity via steam-powered turbines. Anaerobic digestion 

processes organic waste without oxygen, generating biogas. Fixing and maintaining this 

system costs $90 million. Digestion produces 23 GWh/year of electricity, reduces 

emissions, and yields fertilizer-rich composte. 

Keywords: landfill, Zahrat Al-Finjan landfill, NPV, Incineration, Waste to energy, 

SWOT analysis, Anaerobic digestion.  



1 

Chapter One 

Introduction 

1.1 Overview 

The first part of this thesis provides a comprehensive summary of the actual situation 

with which an overview, an explanation of how the study is structured, a statement of 

the problem, goals, the scope of the work, what the work means and how essential it is, 

as well as a concise assessment of the relevant literature is conducted.  

1.2 General Background 

Energy is essential to human existence and economic activity. Pollution-free electricity 

can be produced using renewable resources including sunlight, wind, planet earth, and 

plants. Societies' economic progress, social advancement, and better standards of life 

are influenced by energy consumption and the continuous expansion of solid waste 

production (El Chaar, L., & Lamont, L. A. , 2010)(Thiam, 2011). Throughout most of 

human history, the production of energy has traditionally involved the burning of fossil 

fuels such as coal, gas, and oil as these processes are the primary contributors to the 

generation of polluting gases and acids, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide 

(CO2), and hydrochloric acid (HCl).  

The emission of these gases has several adverse consequences including a decrease in 

ozone (O3) degrees, acidic rain, acidification of the ocean, as well as changes in the 

structure of plants and nutrients. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 

1970s, there has been a steady increase in the levels of Green-House Gases (GHG). A 

change of this scale in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere would be equivalent 

to an increase of 473 parts per million (PPM) (Chen, 2017). 

In essence, renewable energies refer to sources of energy that can be naturally 

replenished. These sources can be acquired directly from the sun, like through photo-

chemical and photo-electric processes, or indirectly through wind, hydropower, and 

energy stored in biomass via photosynthesis. Additionally, other environmental 

movements and mechanisms, such as geothermal and tidal energy, can also provide 

sources of renewable (Ellabban, O., Abu-Rub, H., & Blaabjerg, F. , 2014). Figure (1) 

shows an overview of renewable energy sources. Roughly 15%-20% of the world's 

energy needs are met by renewable sources at the present time. Traditional biomass, 



mostly fuel wood used for cooking and heating, is the primary source, particularly in

areas of Asian countries, Africa, and Latin America that are the least developed in the 

world (Herzog, A. V, Lipman, T. E., & Kammen, D. M. , 

RE sources of power is of the vital important rega

environment and the energy supply.

Both the production of waste and its disposal are issuing that society must overcome in 

this era. Waste is produced by all aspects of human life, including private houses, 

commercial enterprises, educational institutions, food service establishments, 

agricultural operations, and so on 

2022). Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a term for the different kinds of trash that 

people often throw away in towns. There are both decomposable and non

components of MSW (Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & Popoola, 

O. M., 2020). The quantity of municipal solid waste that is acce

effectiveness of the conversion path are two factors that influence the quantity of energy 

that can be extracted from MSW. 

Other aspects, such as a region's or a municipality's level of population and revenue, are 

also significant in findin

source with stable and predictable attributes because the factors determining the amount 

of energy recovered from MSW are easy to control. This makes it useful for dealing

with waste problems, reducing the effects of global warming, and generating electricity 

(Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & Popoola, O. M., 

Figure 1 

Summary of renewable power options

 

 

 

 

 
 

Note: (Ellabban, O., Abu-Rub, H., & Blaabjerg, F. , 

2 

mostly fuel wood used for cooking and heating, is the primary source, particularly in

areas of Asian countries, Africa, and Latin America that are the least developed in the 

(Herzog, A. V, Lipman, T. E., & Kammen, D. M. , 2001), so, the cultivation of 

sources of power is of the vital important regarding the protection of the 

environment and the energy supply. 

Both the production of waste and its disposal are issuing that society must overcome in 

this era. Waste is produced by all aspects of human life, including private houses, 

s, educational institutions, food service establishments, 

agricultural operations, and so on (Awogbemi, O., Kallon, D. V. V., & Bello, K. A., 

. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a term for the different kinds of trash that 

ople often throw away in towns. There are both decomposable and non

(Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & Popoola, 

. The quantity of municipal solid waste that is acce

effectiveness of the conversion path are two factors that influence the quantity of energy 

that can be extracted from MSW.  

Other aspects, such as a region's or a municipality's level of population and revenue, are 

also significant in finding its success (Gohlke, 2009). MSW is a renewable energy 

source with stable and predictable attributes because the factors determining the amount 

of energy recovered from MSW are easy to control. This makes it useful for dealing

with waste problems, reducing the effects of global warming, and generating electricity 

(Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & Popoola, O. M., 

Summary of renewable power options 

Rub, H., & Blaabjerg, F. , 2014) 

 

mostly fuel wood used for cooking and heating, is the primary source, particularly in the 

areas of Asian countries, Africa, and Latin America that are the least developed in the 

, so, the cultivation of 

rding the protection of the 

Both the production of waste and its disposal are issuing that society must overcome in 

this era. Waste is produced by all aspects of human life, including private houses, 

s, educational institutions, food service establishments, 

(Awogbemi, O., Kallon, D. V. V., & Bello, K. A., 

. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a term for the different kinds of trash that 

ople often throw away in towns. There are both decomposable and non-decomposable 

(Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & Popoola, 

. The quantity of municipal solid waste that is accessible and the 

effectiveness of the conversion path are two factors that influence the quantity of energy 

Other aspects, such as a region's or a municipality's level of population and revenue, are 

. MSW is a renewable energy 

source with stable and predictable attributes because the factors determining the amount 

of energy recovered from MSW are easy to control. This makes it useful for dealing 

with waste problems, reducing the effects of global warming, and generating electricity 

(Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & Popoola, O. M., 2020). 

 

 



3 

According to projections from the World Bank, the world's daily waste generation is 

around 1.3×109 tons, with expected growth to approximately 2.2×109 tons by 2025. For 

hygienic and public health reasons, solid trash must be collected daily and processed 

appropriately; this is one of the greatest challenges now confronting public authorities, 

particularly in developing nations(Burke, C. S., Salas, E., Smith-Jentsch, K., & Rosen, 

M. A., 2018). Based on the waste's structure and moisture concentration, the energy 

contained within MSW can be recovered to generate heat and/or power by bio-chemical 

or thermochemical mechanisms (Alao, M. A., Ayodele, T. R., Ogunjuyigbe, A. S. O., & 

Popoola, O. M., 2020). 

In Waste-To-Energy (WTE) operations, the waste would either be directly burned (via 

combustion, pyrolysis, or gasification), Furthermore, fuels made from chemicals like 

CH4 and H2 are created and used (Cheng, H., & Hu, Y., 2010). All decision makers 

must choose the best WTE techniques to implement based on technical, financial, 

ecologic, and social concerns, as the various WTE systems for MSW management 

perform well especially in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, which convert trash into 

usable heat or electricity, have been popular in Europe for the better part of a century.  

The United States, China, and Japan are just a few of the wealthy nations that convert 

garbage to power in their economies. In the 1960s, European governments began 

installing WTE facilities in response to rising worries about groundwater quality and a 

lack of suitable space for landfills. To generate heat, steam, and electricity, WTE 

facilities using solid wastes is a very straightforward idea. (Ham, G. Y., & Lee, D. H., 

2017). 

The energy scenario in Palestine is widely acknowledged to be very distinct from that of 

other Middle Eastern nations. There were (5354656) people living in Palestine as of the 

end of 2022 with (1540016) living in the Gaza Strip and (3188387) in the West Bank. 

(PCBS, 2018). While geographically located in the Middle East, Palestine is unlike any 

other Middle Eastern country. To begin with, Israeli occupation hinders the potential 

expansion of the region's energy infrastructure and policy and outlaws any expansion 

efforts in this area.  

The Palestinian Authority (PA) is highly dependent on imported fossil energy for the 

great majority of their energy needs, with most of these fuels coming from Israel. Egypt 



4 

and Jordan also provide a small but significant share of each. The transportation 

industry accounts for a lot of the world's consumption of fossil fuels. (Abu Hamed et al., 

2012) It is clear from Fig. 2 that the Palestinian Lands rely on a variety of different 

sources of energy. Only 22% is derived from renewable energy references, whereas 

78% comes from liquid fossil fuels like gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas. 

(PCBS, 2018). 

Palestine is a growing country that requires extensive amounts of all types of energy to 

fuel its economic development. Diversity exists in the number of Palestinians having 

constant access to electricity. In regions where power rates are high, saving energy has 

an immediate financial impact. The extra money spent on power electronics can be 

recovered within a reasonable amount of time. When people reduce their consumption, 

they naturally reduce their output, which in turn reduces pollution and global warming 

(Bosmans, A., & Helsen, L., 2010).  

Currently, available dumping sites are either nearly full, will be full in the next five 

years with no expansion alternatives, or are overburdened. According to the Oslo 

Agreement, the PA needs Israel's approval to construct new locations. Because of the 

delicate political scenario in the last decade, this is not easy. Now is the time to 

completely accept WTF as one of the greatest essential potential sources of renewable 

energy and a realistic solution for economically and ecologically ethical disposal of 

solid waste(Baggio et al., 2008). 

Among the greatest problems facing Palestine, and many other developing nations, is 

ensuring the long-term viability of their SWM infrastructure. In the Palestinian territory 

and especially in the West Bank, the removal of municipal solid waste is viewed as a 

challenging issue for many due to many factors. which might include the position of a 

groundwater aquifer, the limited region that makes up the West Bank, the absence of 

sanitary landfills, and the absence of any critical treatment facilities (Al-khatib et al., 

2007). In addition, in Palestine, waste is regarded as a major environmental and health 

issue because of the increasing political situation and economic embargo, inadequate 

systems for collecting and disposing of wastes, high reliance on waste dumps, poor 

methods for reusing materials and disposing of waste, inadequate awareness programs 

regarding waste management and the lack of sufficient investment and other resources. 



 Consequently, having efficient waste management at all phas

safety mechanism that prevents damage from waste disposal or recycling operations. 

Besides being a national need, it has been given an important role in maintaining the 

national economy and projecting a beautiful, cultured image of s

Waste is divided into two main categories: dry waste and wet waste. Wet waste includes 

organic waste, such as food waste, which constitutes 

is plastic, metal, and paper.The daily rate of waste production in the Wes

estimated at 2,622 tons and the daily rate per person is 

of daily municipal garbage is collected by the joint service councils JSCs (

with the remaining amounts being collected by LGUs and UNRWA (Abu Mufe

2019). Hence, waste with an organic content of 

composting, digestion, and the generation of landfill

plastic, and metal all show promise as potential recyclables, it's also true that only 

source separation has a chance of generating sufficient quantities and quality for 

recycling. 

Figure 2 

Solid Waste Composition in the West Bank

Note: Abu Muferreh, 2019. 

Three landfills can be found in the West Bank, according to 

scientific assessment, in the governorates of Jericho, Jenin, and Hebron. The first most 

0.018

0.

organic paper &cardboard

5 

Consequently, having efficient waste management at all phases of the process is a 

safety mechanism that prevents damage from waste disposal or recycling operations. 

Besides being a national need, it has been given an important role in maintaining the 

national economy and projecting a beautiful, cultured image of society.

Waste is divided into two main categories: dry waste and wet waste. Wet waste includes 

organic waste, such as food waste, which constitutes 50% of the waste, while dry waste 

is plastic, metal, and paper.The daily rate of waste production in the Wes

 tons and the daily rate per person is 1.0 kilogram. Only around 

of daily municipal garbage is collected by the joint service councils JSCs (

with the remaining amounts being collected by LGUs and UNRWA (Abu Mufe

). Hence, waste with an organic content of 50% has a high potential for 

composting, digestion, and the generation of landfill-gas. While it's true that paper, 

plastic, and metal all show promise as potential recyclables, it's also true that only 

source separation has a chance of generating sufficient quantities and quality for 

Solid Waste Composition in the West Bank 

Three landfills can be found in the West Bank, according to (Taye

scientific assessment, in the governorates of Jericho, Jenin, and Hebron. The first most 

0.5

0.126

0.146

018

.025

0.169

paper &cardboard plastic glass metal textile & others

es of the process is a 

safety mechanism that prevents damage from waste disposal or recycling operations. 

Besides being a national need, it has been given an important role in maintaining the 

ociety. 

Waste is divided into two main categories: dry waste and wet waste. Wet waste includes 

 of the waste, while dry waste 

is plastic, metal, and paper.The daily rate of waste production in the West Bank is 

 kilogram. Only around 65% 

of daily municipal garbage is collected by the joint service councils JSCs (1,704 tons), 

with the remaining amounts being collected by LGUs and UNRWA (Abu Muferreh, 

 has a high potential for 

gas. While it's true that paper, 

plastic, and metal all show promise as potential recyclables, it's also true that only 

source separation has a chance of generating sufficient quantities and quality for 

 

(Tayeh et al., 2021) 

scientific assessment, in the governorates of Jericho, Jenin, and Hebron. The first most 

textile & others



6 

essential, however, are Zahrat al-Finjan in Jenin and Al-Menia between Hebron and 

Bethlehem. Tragically, Zahrat Al-Finjan is going to reach its maximum capacity over 

the next years, with no plans to expand. Another in Jericho is now under load as there 

are no plans to extend it. In 2007, the northern part of the West Bank, specifically the 

Jenin region, was the location for the construction of Zahrat Al-Finjan dump. This was 

Palestine's first properly maintained landfill to make certain that Jenin's municipal solid 

waste was disposed of appropriately.  

Even though it was originally constructed to manage garbage created in Jenin city, the 

space was later enlarged to include the cities of Nablus and Tulkarm, which are in the 

northern section of the West Bank. In other words, it was originally intended to treat 

waste produced in the Jenin region. Recently (2013), the Ministry of Local Government 

(MoLG) expanded the service area once more by covering all the remaining northern 

parts (Qalqilya, Tubas, and Salfit). As a direct consequence of this, the volume of waste 

that has been delivered has significantly increased during the period of planning (Salah, 

M. M., Al-Sari’, M. I., Al-Khatib, I. A., & Kontogianni, S., 2020). 

The methods utilized to dispose of waste in Palestine are old, and the occupation adds to 

the burden by posing difficulties and impediments. Furthermore, the occupation's 

control of around 64 % of Palestinian land lowers the likelihood of creating the 

infrastructure and basic services required for adequate solid waste disposal. The 

disposal of MSW has developed into an urgent and expensive issue. The conventional 

technique of burying waste in landfills takes up a significant amount of space and 

pollutes the air, groundwater, and land. The process of incineration, which is an 

alternate option, has the benefit of lowering the quantity of the garbage, and it also has 

the potential to create heat and electricity while releasing fewer gases into the 

environment (Porteous, 2001).  

By negotiating a political settlement without Israel, the PA hopes to achieve statehood 

concentrating heavily on developing its institutions' capacity to control its own natural 

resources at this stage. The Palestinian Energy and National Resources Authority 

(PENRA), the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority (EQA), and the Ministry of 

Local Government (MoLG) are the three main governmental ministries in charge of the 

energy, environment, and waste - management sectors, respectively. 



7 

The PA oversees the ministries' preparation of strategic plans over five years at regular 

intervals. In 2017, the ministry based its road map for the next four years—through 

2022—on these findings, as reflected in the strategic plans developed by each individual 

ministry. Managing the energy, environmental, and MSW sectors were all explicit goals 

and strategies in the 2017-2020 plans of each of the ministries. Here are some quick 

summaries of these techniques' most key features: (PENRA, 2016; PNA, 2016; PNA, 

2017). 

1. The first aim of the PENRA strategic plan is to increase the national capacity to meet 

and protect electricity needs. For this purpose, PENRA has accepted the 

diversification of resources and the implementation of a national energy storage 

strategy. 

2. The management of municipal solid waste is going to be improved as the third 

strategic goal of MoLG. Two strategies have been selected to support policies and 

methods that aim to reduce the volumes of MSW, recycle, reuse, and generate 

electricity before its ultimate disposal, and to eliminate the use of randomized 

dumpsites by either closing them or restructuring them in order to decrease the 

negative effects on the natural world and public health. 

3. The EQA has collaborated with the GCC United Nations framework convention's 

National Determined Contributions (NDC). The first scenario, which assumes a 

political agreement between the PA and the Israeli side, is the independence 

scenario. If this holds true, then landfill CH4 reduction and trash-to-energy recovery 

might save 290 and 3 kt CO2-eq, respectively, until 2040. Given the current political 

climate, the same goals in the two scenarios become 290 and 0.5 kt CO2-equivalent, 

respectively. 

(Lawínska et al., 2022) noted that the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and 

Threats (SWOT) analysis is a standard strategic planning tool that is used for the 

comprehensive assessment of an organization's internal capabilities (strengths and 

weaknesses), as well as for assessing the external situation. The key internal 

components, which are referred to as "Strengths and Weaknesses," and the external 

aspects, which are referred to as "Opportunities and Threats," are evaluated with the use 

of the automated and efficient strategic process known as the SWOT analysis. The 

analysis can be broken down into two primary stages. In the first phase, the SWOT 



8 

matrix is developed by determining the SWOT factors. In the second phase, the internal 

and external factors are coupled in order to provide the most successful possible mix of 

tactics (Pasek, A. D., Gultom, K. W., & Suwono, A. , 2013). 

Plans make use of the organization's own strengths and advantages in order to mitigate 

or eliminate the impact of external threats. WO approaches involve seizing chances 

presented by external sources in order to make up for deficiencies in one's own 

operations. WT strategies aim to shore up internal weaknesses in order to reduce the 

impact of external threats (Saxena, R. C., Adhikari, D. K., & Goyal, H. B., 2009). 

SWOT analysis helps decision-makers make the most informed decisions possible by 

providing helpful information about internal and external factors that may have a 

beneficial or detrimental effect on the growth of the business. 

When it comes to waste management, a SWOT analysis is a useful technique for 

assessing the advantages, disadvantages, prospects, and risks of various approaches. 

Inadequate public knowledge and financing for waste management initiatives may be 

weaknesses, whereas effective garbage collection systems and cutting-edge recycling 

technologies may be strengths. Threats include environmental pollution and a lack of 

available landfill space, while opportunities include the rising use of eco-friendly 

garbage disposals. Waste management agencies can benefit from doing a SWOT 

analysis since it helps them plan, establish concrete objectives, prioritize tasks, and 

pinpoint weak spots. It helps with the development of efficient waste management plans 

and the identification of novel answers for more environmentally friendly procedures. 

This study compares three waste disposal strategies, landfilling, incineration with 

energy recovery, and compost to find a solution for Zahrat A-Finjan Landfill problems. 

It will also look at the environmental and economic implications of these three 

approaches. In addition to that, the SWOT Analysis will be used for each strategy. In 

this qualitative study, the importance of SWOT Analysis in the strategic management 

process will be outlined first, and then the components of SWOT Analysis will be 

examined. 

  



9 

1.3 Structure of the thesis 

There are four sections of this thesis; the first is an introduction that provides context for 

the research and discussing the study's objectives. The second one is the chapter of the 

methodology; in this section, you will get a description of the procedures that were 

utilized to collect data, as well as any restrictions or assumptions that were made. The 

results and analysis are presented in the third chapter. The findings of the study are 

summarized in the section titled "The Results," which makes use of language that is 

both clear and succinct, tables, graphs, and other visual aids to emphasize essential 

themes. Analyze: provide a detailed interpretation of the results, describing what they 

mean and how they relate to the study questions or objectives. Analysis: provide 

detailed explanation of the data. The conclusion and recommendations chapter serves as 

the final chapter of the thesis. It provides a summary of the most important findings as 

well as recommendations for how any faults or problems noted in the study might be 

resolved. 

1.4 Problem Statement 

In 2020, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (Central & Bureau of Statistics - 

PCBS, 2021) released a report estimating daily solid waste production in the West Bank 

of 2,335 tons with about 853,000 tons of garbage are produced annually. The survey 

also indicated that while both urban and rural regions produce waste, most of the West 

Bank solid waste (67.7%) is produced in urban areas. Most of the trash comes from 

homes (54.5%), businesses (21.8%), then factories (10.4%), and finally building and 

demolition (8%). 

The main gap here is that few studies have been done before comparing landfilling, 

incineration, and anaerobic digestion waste disposal strategies. However, prior studies 

have not considered the fact that methane output fluctuates year to year, as well as the 

amount of gas trapped underground. Also, previous studies did not consider the 

electrical network's ability to absorb the electrical energy produced near Zahrat al-

Finjan landfill (Tayeh et al., 2021). 

The key players in this dilemma are PENRA, EQA, and MoLG. Each of these ministries 

is addressing its own set of national difficulties. EQA and MoLG interact actively to 

monitor present MSW landfills and generate new sustainable and environmentally 



10 

acceptable solid waste disposal solutions as PENRA is committed to eliminating power 

shortage and promoting self-sufficiency in the country's energy sector. Despite their 

ongoing efforts to identify adequate solutions to the waste problem at Zahrat Al-Finjan 

landfill, they omitted to conduct a comparison analysis of landfilling, incineration, and 

composting.  

This study aims at developing a managerial framework for the waste-to energy in 

Palestine. More specifically, it aims at comparing the three potential alternatives, 

namely, landfilling, incineration, and AD, for waste-to-energy. Zahrat al-Finjan landfill 

in northern Palestine will be considered as a case study, and the SWOT analysis tool 

will be employed to compare these alternatives to come up with a managerial 

framework that could help in generalizing the results for other landfills in Palestine. 

1.5 Objectives 

This study aims at: 

• Analyzing Zahrat Al-Finjan landfill waste problem to find waste to energy solutions 

by comparing three waste disposal options, which are landfilling, incineration for 

energy recovery, and anaerobic digestion.  

• Examining the environmental (the emissions of gases such as CO2 and CH4) and 

economic (funding and capital sources, financial estimates, the possibility of success) 

consequences for the three wastes to energy options.  

• Conducting a SWOT Analysis for each option of the three waste disposal methods to 

develop a managerial framework for waste-to-energy in Palestine. 

1.6 Importance of the Study 

This study is an attempt to find a solution to the problem of Zahrat al-Finjan landfill by 

comparing landfilling, incineration, and anaerobic digestion. After a precise economic 

feasibility assessment, which is largely determined experimentally by the flows of solid 

waste produced with potential energy, this will show a great opportunity for the 

Palestinians. The process of producing energy through proper waste management is 

attracting growing interest in countries around the world, particularly in developed 

nations since it is seen as one of the most important sources of financially rewarding 

economic return. Also, doing a detailed analysis of economic feasibility studies, 

environmental impact assessment, studying deeply the emissions of certain gases like 



11 

CO2 and CH4, and conducting a SWOT Analysis for each one of the three waste 

disposal methods. 

1.7 Literature Review 

Solid wastes have been commonly categorizedbased on their sources. They can be 

divided into three types: municipal solid waste (MSW), hazardous waste, and infectious 

waste (Ogunjuyigbe et al., 2017). MSW contains both organic (degradable and non) and 

inorganic (recyclable) elements. Organic (biomass) materials include food scraps, 

garden waste, paper, pasteboard, fabrics, leather, and wood. Inorganic waste materials 

include glass, ceramic materials, rubber, and metal alloys (Troschinetz, A. M., & 

Mihelcic, J. R. , 2009).  

MSW disposal is among the most major and contentious urban challenges affecting 

governments all over the world (Assamoi & Lawryshyn, 2012). Individuals are 

throwing garbage away increasing amounts of waste globally, and its content is much 

more complicated than ever before since polymer and electronic consumer goods 

expanded (Vergara, S. E., & Tchobanoglous, G. , 2012). There is a large amount of 

variation in the amount as well as the structure of waste from one day to the next and 

from one season to another. Not only are there big variations between nations, but there 

are also important variations between nearby counties and types of property within the 

same town (Idris, A., Inanc, B., & Hassan, M. N. , 2004). Collection and 

stockpiling systems are getting more complicated and expensive because the different 

kinds and sources of rubbish created have expanded and the accessibility of dump sites 

within collection areas has become constrained (Idris, A., Inanc, B., & Hassan, M. N. , 

2004).  

Since improper waste treatment has various adverse effects on the environment, the 

disposal of MSW is receiving a lot of attention. The quality of ground water may be 

affected, as well as the release of greenhouse gases and dust (Palmiotto et al., 2014). On 

the other hand, recognizing that municipal solid waste is continually produced and 

contains energy, it might be considered a source of energy that is easily accessible 

(Lombardi, L., Carnevale, E., & Corti, A. , 2015). 

Municipal waste management refers to the integration, stockpiling, transportation, 

manufacturing, resource renewal, recycling, and safe disposal of waste (Ikpeze, 2014). 



12 

Based on the country, the scenario concerning rewards for waste management hierarchy 

(reducing, reusing, and recycling), and the type of pricing employed, the policy 

measures by municipalities to enhance their condition can differ. Despite local 

conditions, the investment is vital for the delivery of high-quality, environmentally 

friendly activities (Alzamora, B. R., & Barros, R. T. D. V., 2020). 

Waste management operations are ranked in the hierarchy according to the positive 

impact they have on the environment or the amount of energy they save. When it comes 

to preserving resources, coping with a lack of landfill space, reducing water pollution 

and air pollution, and preserving human health, hierarchy is a helpful method. In recent 

years, several innovative systems have been created, one of which is the 3 R's technique 

in the effective solid waste management hierarchy. Figure 3 shows the 3 R's technique 

(Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) that suggested with focus on source reduction, medium 

processing, and ultimate disposal, and waste generators were encouraged to practice the 

3R's as a considerable way to reduce, reuse, and recycle the collected solid waste every 

day (Azim et al., 2018).  

Recycling and reusing garbage decreases the amount of waste that is transported to 

incinerators and landfills which in turn helps to preserve natural resources, 

minimize energy consumption, eliminate pollution and contamination, and bolster the 

manufacturing industry. The recycling of wastes generated by the industrial sector cuts 

down on the consumption of new raw materials, diminishes the negative effects on the 

environment caused by waste disposal methods, reduces costs, and guarantees that the 

least amount of energy is used while producing products (Awogbemi et al., 2022). 

  



13 

 

Figure 3 

Solid waste management hierarchies 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: (Azim, K., Soudi, B., Boukhari, S., Perissol, C., Roussos, S., & Thami Alami, I., 2018) 

When 'going to throw away' rubbish, the complexities of the process and the 

interconnected nature of materials and pollution become clear. Waste disposal, for 

example, is costly and problematic in terms of air pollution and ash disposal. Because 

the majority of the waste stream is non-combustible, disposal demands the 

containerization of rubbish dumped outside for collection in order to stay dry (Ouda et 

al., 2017). One of the most pressing concerns in society is the need for the development 

of a sustainable society, which is prompted by environmental, social, and economic 

issues caused by globalization. As shown in a study by (Jouhara et al., 2017), the 

average European Union member produces 475 kg of waste per year, while the average 

American citizen produces 730 kg. In an ideal world, selecting the most appropriate 

ultimate waste disposal option calls for doing a comprehensive study that considers all 

the benefits and expenses included, often known as a thorough societal cost–benefit 

analysis(Dijkgraaf & Vollebergh, 2005). 

In China, most Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is disposed of by landfilling. Research 

by (Idris, A., Inanc, B., & Hassan, M. N. , 2004) conducted on 138 cities in 2000 found 

that 96.9% of municipal solid waste (MSW) was sent to landfills, 1.3% was composted, 

and 1.8% was incinerated. Several Chinese cities cannot afford the costs associated with 

incinerator construction and maintenance. Currently, the basic landfill is preferred over 

doing nothing at all.   

Waste disposal  

Source Reduction 

Reuse 

Recycling 

Resource 
Recovery 

Incinerati
on 

landfillin
g 

Most 
preferred 

Least 
Preferred 



14 

As the world's population and standard of living continue to improve through rapid 

industrialization, globalization, modernity, and increased wealth are predicted to 

continue driving a large increase in worldwide power consumption over the coming 

decades (Pazheri, F. R., Othman, M. F., & Malik, N. H. , 2014). 14% of the energy 

needs are supplied by renewable energy sources (RES) (Demirbaş, 2006). RES consists 

of bioenergy, hydropower, geo-thermal, sunlight, winds, and ocean energy. Resources 

for renewable energy include those that are main, local, and pure (Panwar et al., 2011). 

During the last three decades, the technological energy efficiency of equipment has 

advanced significantly, while the home electricity demand has risen. This is due to an 

increase in electrically powered devices, such as kitchen tools, heating systems, and 

floor lighting (Nilsson et al., 2014).  

For sustainable solid waste management, (Kumar, A., & Samadder, S. R., 2017) have 

indicated that WTE is a realistic option because it is one of the most important 

renewable energy resources, financially feasible, and environmentally friendly. for all 

that, four key variables explain the possibility of creating electricity from MSW: (1) the 

quantity of MSW produced, (2) the properties and efficiency of a waste materials, (3) 

the category of devices used for power generation, and (4) the economic circumstances 

of the WTE plant's site (Ofori-Boateng, C., Lee, K. T., & Mensah, M. , 2013). 

According to (Arani, 2012), WTE refers to every waste processing that generates 

energy in the manner of either heat or electricity. Numerous different fuel ingredients, 

such as H2 or ethanol, may be produced by more developed WTE systems. A study by 

(Moya et al., 2017) has incorporated Waste-to-Energy Technologies (WTE-T) regarding 

biological and heat treatment systems, landfill gas consumption, and bioenergy.  

The public is concerned about WTE technologies for health and environmental reasons 

(Arani, 2012). The hierarchy of waste management which is depicted in Figure (2), and 

WTE comes before disposal. This demonstrates that the WTE alternative is beneficial, 

both economically and environmentally. In addition, it is seen as a potentially fruitful 

method of waste management since it may solve issues related to trash creation and has 

the potential to be a source of renewable energy(Kumar & Samadder, 2017). 

Different studies have attempted to determine which WTE process is better suited for a 

particular land or area by assessing the economic and environmental effects. In terms of 

energy output, environmental and economic impact, and health repercussions, WTE 



15 

technologies can be compared. Incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, 

and landfilling with gas recovery were discussed as methods for generating energy 

(Kumar, A., & Samadder, S. R., 2017). They evaluated technological options in terms 

of economic, environmental, and health implications using a variety of case studies 

from both industrialized and developing countries. Their findings showed that for both 

organic and mixed garbage, anaerobic digestion and incineration are the most 

practicable solid waste management strategies in poor nations. For plastic, electronic 

equipment, wood waste, and electric waste, pyrolysis, and gasification are preferable, 

whereas landfilling is best for inert wastes (Lino, F. A. M., & Ismail, K. A. R. , 2018). 

Based on the waste composition and moisture levels, stored energy in the 

organic component of MSW could be utilized to generate electricity using two paths. 

These paths of transformation are biochemical and thermochemical(Ogunjuyigbe et al., 

2017).  

Waste incineration and gasification are two examples of thermal treatment procedures 

that yield useful by-products like heat and power. Anaerobic digestion is a type of 

biological treatment for WTE that results in the production of biogas and fertilizers, 

while landfill gas may be processed in combination facilities to create power and steam 

(Tan, S. T., Lee, C. T., Hashim, H., Ho, W. S., & Lim, J. S. , 2014). The outputs and 

properties of each technology are distinct, and each makes use of a unique mix of waste 

components (Münster, M., & Lund, H., 2010).  

Anaerobic Digestion (Bio Methanation) 

AD can be run at temperatures ranging from thermophilic (55–60 °C), mesophilic (35–

37 °C), and psychrophilic (20 °C), depending on the environment. This helps to lower 

the amount of external energy that is required to run the process (Wang et al., 2018). 

This process results in the production of biogas, which is typically made up of between 

50 and 75% CH4, 25 to 50% CO2, and between 1 and 15% of other gases such as water 

vapor, NH3, and H2S. which is typically referred to as the digestate is the remaining 

exceedingly viscous semi-solid substance. It is possible to make use of the biogas by 

combusting it in order to create heat and electricity, particularly in Combined Heat and 

Power (CHP) engines. Alternatively, biogas might be employed in interior combustion 

engines, boilers, or kitchens. How biogas is ultimately used is what defines the amount 



16 

 

of purification and removal of contaminants, primarily carbon dioxide, hydrogen 

sulfide, or water (Mustafi & Raine, 2008)(Rajaeifar et al., 2017). 

Through a process called anaerobic digestion, the organic component of biodegradable 

MSW is broken down and converted into methane. Hydrolysis is the first step in 

treating MSW, in which the complex organic molecules, such as carbs, proteins, and 

lipids, are broken down into more soluble organic elements. After the organic 

compounds have been broken down by AD into acetic acid, H2, and CO2, the process 

moves on to fermentation. Finally, methanogenesis, the creation of methane, occurs. In 

Figure 4, we see the entire  workflow from organic materials to methane (Kumar, A., & 

Samadder, S. R., 2017). 

Figure 4 

Stages in the anaerobic digestion process 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: (Kumar, A., & Samadder, S. R., 2017). 

Environmentally speaking, AD offers several benefits that make it a viable option for 

waste management in the long run. Studies have shown that AD increases biogas 

production, reduces waste through digestion, and improves waste management. 

Furthermore, as stated by (Arafat, H. A., Jijakli, K., & Ahsan, A. , 2015) and (Saxena, 

R. C., Adhikari, D. K., & Goyal, H. B., 2009), the production of power through AD in 

Methanogenesis  

  

Acetogenesis  

Organic Matter 

Hydrolysis  

Soluble 

Acidogenesis  

Volatile Fatty Acids 

Acetic Acid H
2
, CO

2
 

CH
4
 + CO

2
 



17 

three weeks is expected to be two to four times greater than the recovery of electricity 

from landfilling in 6-7 years. According to another study done by (Murphy, J. D., & 

McKeogh, E. , 2004), one cubic meter of AD-produced biogas may provide 2 kWh of 

power at a conversion efficiency of 35%.  

In general, when people talk about biogas, they are talking about the gas that is 

produced by anaerobic digestion systems. Biogas is a potential way of meeting the 

world's demand for energy while also delivering various advantages to the environment 

(Haberl et al., 2012)(Tambone et al., 2010)(Qi et al., 2005)(Zhao et al., 2016) As an 

illustration, the European Union policy estimates that at least 25% of all bioenergy can 

be derived from biogas (Jiang et al., 2011).In Italy, 3405 GW h of electricity was 

produced from biogas in 2011n(Holm-Nielsen et al., 2009) and in Germany, 

approximately 4000 agricultural biogas production units were operated on German 

farms at the end of 2008, which is beneficial for farmer living-environment (Weiland, 

2010).  

Landfilling 

Landfills are among the management solutions available used in many cities around the 

world to interact with solid waste. According to (Eriksson et al., 2005), landfilling has 

frequently been identified as the lowest useful treatment option. Moreover, it was used 

as a reference case to emphasize this point. It is the only method for treating that can 

deal with mixed household waste, along with incineration. The primary constituents of 

landfill gas are methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), with a substantial percentage 

of other components present in small concentrations such as ammonia, sulfide, and non-

methane volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Harrison, R. M., Hester, R. E., & Carroll, 

1994). 

The above management solution may impose expenses on the nearby areas in the form 

of noise, smells, soot, and health impacts. Besides this, improperly managed landfills 

may have a serious effect on groundwater quality and natural systems. (Lino, F. A. M., 

& Ismail, K. A. R. , 2018)Toxic gases from landfills have a significant impact on plant 

growth, animal life, and ecological processes (Danthurebandara et al., 2013). However, 

the methane gas released during the decomposition process can be recovered and used 

as a sustainable energy source. During this procedure, also known as landfill gas (LFG) 



18 

recovery, the Methane gas that is released from the landfill is collected and then used in 

one of two ways: either as a fuel for the generation of power or heating and cooking. 

LFG recovery projects in the United States have the potential to create over 17 billion 

kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is sufficient to power over 1.5 million 

households, according to research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) (Wang, S., Ruan, Y., Zhou, W., Li, Z., Wu, J., & Liu, D. , 2018). Methane is 

released into the atmosphere during the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter 

found in MSW in landfills. Aerobic decomposition occurs first when MSW is dumped 

in a landfill, and during this time very little methane is produced. Typically, anaerobic 

conditions are formed in less than a year, and methanogens begin decomposing the 

waste and producing Methane (Du et al., 2017). 

Incineration 

Incineration is a popular method of waste treatment and disposal. It is meant to attack 

the various organic materials found in the waste (Gohlke, 2009). It operates at 

extremely high temperatures and is consequently known as the thermal treatment 

process. The disposal materials are converted into ash, flue gas, and a big quantity of 

heat generated throughly. Ash is usually generated by inorganic compounds, which can 

be converted to solid chunks (Liuzzo et al., 2007). This strategy just reduces waste 

size, it is not a full waste disposal method; and it is also attributed to fire hazards and 

the production of greenhouse gases (Ayilara et al., 2020).  

Incineration is a major waste method of treatment since it can minimize waste mass by 

70% and volume by 90% even while recovering energy from waste to produce 

electricity (Singh, R. P., Tyagi, V. V., Allen, T., Ibrahim, M. H., & Kothari, R., 2011). 

Monitored incineration methods for electrical power generation are comparable with 

many fossil-fuel-based power plants. A waste storage chamber, an incinerator, a vapor 

engine, a cleaner for flue gas, and an impurities filtration system seem to be typical 

components of a monitored incineration method for power generation (Ofori-Boateng, 

C., Lee, K. T., & Mensah, M. , 2013). However, as proposed in an article by (Kalyani & 

Pandey, 2014), over 90% of MSW created in India is carried to landfills, sometimes in 

the most unsanitary method. The Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) 

landfilling operation is the most disorganized method. 



19 

Obtained from data analysis explored by (Pasek, A. D., Gultom, K. W., & Suwono, A. , 

2013), it could be stated that MSW is used as a vapor power plant fuel without using 

extra fuel, even after recyclable parts were eliminated. On an as-received basis, waste 

with a moisture of 40% will contain a thermal value of 6500 kJ/kg or 1500 kcal/kg 

(Lower heating value). A simple WTE plant using waste with a moisture content of 

40% can be constructed to generate 800 kW of electrical energy from 50 tonnes of 

waste each day or 2.04 kg/hr of waste. 

(Bosmans, A., & Helsen, L., 2010) concluded that the waste feedstock is extensively 

mixed in the incineration process to ensure a far more consistent thermal efficiency, and 

then placed into a big hopper. Waste incineration, like most garbage treatments, aims to 

minimize the quantity and destructive qualities of waste while also trapping (and so 

concentrating) or discarding toxic materials. Incineration methods can however allow 

for the recovery of waste's energy, mineral, and/or chemical value. 

However, as pointed out by (Mendes, M. R., Aramaki, T., & Hanaki, K. , 2004) in his 

study conducted in São Paulo City, the least environmental workload was described by 

incineration with ash in a landfill area. Because ash and slag contain primarily 

substances and very limited amounts of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, their own 

destruction to a dump site did not cause global warming, acid rain, or nutrient retention. 

Composting 

Traditional techniques like incineration and landfilling have evolved into environmental 

disservices due to their wasteful production of greenhouse gases and their exploitation 

of precious farmland. Composting, in contrast to conventional waste management 

practices, is increasingly being recognized for its environmental benefits (Zhang, L., & 

Sun, X., 2014). Composting has grown in popularity among waste disposal options due 

to its beneficial features such as waste hygiene, economic viability, and waste 

conversion to value-added products(Onwosi et al., 2017). This process is defined 

according to (Azim et al., 2018) as a natural mechanism that occurs in an aerobic 

environment (presence of O2), with sufficient temperature and humidity. Composting 

efficiency is influenced by factors including turning frequency, heat, C/N ratio, 

moisture levels, oxygenation, electrical conductivity, pH, and size of the particles 

(Onwosi et al., 2017).  



As for the decomposition process, they may undergo continuous transfor

have a major bearing on the ultimate products. During the thermophilic period, 

temperature swings have a significant impact on killing off disease

and the relationship between pH and microbial growth and ammonia emission is 

established. The C/N ratio is important for microbial development, and both aeration 

and MC have major effects on microbial growth and gas emission 

L., & He, L. , 2013). 

Materials containing both

sustainable organic compounds through composting by the sequential actions of various 

microbes, that also chemically look like

S. A. , 2008). 

Among the many environmental practices gaining popularity is composting. A 

respectable method of dealing with and making use of organic garbage. Composting, in 

the opinion of (Raut, M. P., William, S. P., 

Devotta, S. , 2008), facilitates the long

wastes by repurposing organic substances into items with a variety of applications. 

When compared to the landfilling techniqu

protecting underground water from pollution (Ayilara et al., 

and drawbacks to using compost techniques as illustrated by 

ĐKĐZOĞLU, B., 2020). The o

cost to implement, requiring little in the way of work, having an adaptable capacity, and 

taking up very little physical area. Lack of shelter from the elements (rain, sun, etc.) and 

a lengthy composting process are some of the drawbacks. However, composting is the 

most feasible method given the little means at the disposal of impoverished countries. 

Due to the significant proportion of biodegradable items, such as food waste, in the 

residential waste stream, diverting these products is crucial for achieving ambitious 

diversion goals (Lino, F. A. M., & Ismail, K. A. R. , 

 

20 

As for the decomposition process, they may undergo continuous transfor

have a major bearing on the ultimate products. During the thermophilic period, 

temperature swings have a significant impact on killing off disease-

and the relationship between pH and microbial growth and ammonia emission is 

established. The C/N ratio is important for microbial development, and both aeration 

and MC have major effects on microbial growth and gas emission (Li, Z., Lu, H., Ren, 

Materials containing both nitrogen and carbon have been converted into more 

sustainable organic compounds through composting by the sequential actions of various 

microbes, that also chemically look like humid molecules (Gajalakshmi, S., & Abbasi, 

Among the many environmental practices gaining popularity is composting. A 

respectable method of dealing with and making use of organic garbage. Composting, in 

(Raut, M. P., William, S. P., Bhattacharyya, J. K., Chakrabarti, T., & 

, facilitates the long-term management of huge volumes of organic 

wastes by repurposing organic substances into items with a variety of applications. 

When compared to the landfilling technique for waste disposal, composting aids in 

protecting underground water from pollution (Ayilara et al., 2020). There are benefits 

and drawbacks to using compost techniques as illustrated by 

. The open compost pile method has the advantages of being low

cost to implement, requiring little in the way of work, having an adaptable capacity, and 

taking up very little physical area. Lack of shelter from the elements (rain, sun, etc.) and 

ing process are some of the drawbacks. However, composting is the 

most feasible method given the little means at the disposal of impoverished countries. 

Due to the significant proportion of biodegradable items, such as food waste, in the 

stream, diverting these products is crucial for achieving ambitious 

(Lino, F. A. M., & Ismail, K. A. R. , 2018). 

 

As for the decomposition process, they may undergo continuous transformations that 

have a major bearing on the ultimate products. During the thermophilic period, 

-causing organisms, 

and the relationship between pH and microbial growth and ammonia emission is well-

established. The C/N ratio is important for microbial development, and both aeration 

(Li, Z., Lu, H., Ren, 

ogen and carbon have been converted into more 

sustainable organic compounds through composting by the sequential actions of various 

(Gajalakshmi, S., & Abbasi, 

 

)1....( 

Among the many environmental practices gaining popularity is composting. A 

respectable method of dealing with and making use of organic garbage. Composting, in 

Bhattacharyya, J. K., Chakrabarti, T., & 

term management of huge volumes of organic 

wastes by repurposing organic substances into items with a variety of applications. 

e for waste disposal, composting aids in 

). There are benefits 

and drawbacks to using compost techniques as illustrated by (KOÇAK, E., & 

pen compost pile method has the advantages of being low-

cost to implement, requiring little in the way of work, having an adaptable capacity, and 

taking up very little physical area. Lack of shelter from the elements (rain, sun, etc.) and 

ing process are some of the drawbacks. However, composting is the 

most feasible method given the little means at the disposal of impoverished countries. 

Due to the significant proportion of biodegradable items, such as food waste, in the 

stream, diverting these products is crucial for achieving ambitious 



21 

WTE Technologies Comparison 

The techniques that were outlined above may be contrasted in regard to their outcome, 

the effects they have on the economy and environment, and the repercussions they have 

on people's health.(Kumar, A., & Samadder, S. R., 2017) evaluated many methods of 

energy regeneration, including combustion, gasification, AD, and methane gas 

recovery. They compared the financial, ecological, and health consequences of potential 

WTE technologies using case studies from both rich and remote areas. Based on their 

findings, AD and incineration are the most practical methods of managing solid waste 

in developing regions for either organic or blended MSW, while gasification is 

preferable for plastic, electrical devices, and wood residues, and landfilling is 

better for indeclinable wastes. 

They have concluded that the optimum method for dealing with municipal garbage is 

largely determined by its unique features and chemical makeup. While WTE facilities 

are becoming increasingly common in developing nations, they still do not have the 

facilities, monitoring devices, and repair. Furthermore, the researchers affirm the 

possibility of MSW as a source of renewable electricity if WTE technologies are 

applied, which will lead to meeting energy needs, reducing dependence on traditional 

power sources, and addressing the concern of solid waste treatment.If regulators and 

investigators provide adequate funding and upgraded technology, WTE may be used to 

gain a better grasp of the state of the art in energy and waste management and to find 

solutions to the problems that have arisen. 

(Lino & Ismail, 2018) conducted another analysis of WTE possibilities, and they 

discovered that incineration generates 35 times as much power as bio-digestion. As a 

bonus, recycling may provide a monthly profit of 201,439 US dollars or the equivalent 

of 1,120 Minimum National Salary.Prior work employed the life cycle assessment 

(LCA) technique to compare the effectiveness of burning and landfilling processes, but 

that study presupposed that the MSW in question had already been prepared for 

eventual disposal. Releases from the incineration facility, transfer of byproducts, landfill 

pollutants, and saved emissions owing to the WTE plan's replacement of energy and 

thermal locations were all included in the estimations (Assamoi, B., & Lawryshyn, Y., 

2012). The findings support the use of incineration as an environmentally preferable 

alternative to landfilling for managing MSW. Specifically, burning generates more 



22 

power than landfilling does. Since plastic has a high level of energy and is commonly 

found in MSW, incineration may use this to its strength by reducing the amount of trash 

that must be disposed of in landfills. 

(Lino & Ismail, 2018) presented incineration and landfilling as two possibilities to 

oversee MSW in Brazil. Regarding the pollutants released into the environment came 

from the escape of biogas from the landfills and the burning to create electricity, they 

calculated a sum of 38.385 ktCO2/year from landfilling and 92.929 ktCO2/year from 

incineration (total value of MSW incineration and burning of supplemental fuel 

LPG).The most negative environmental impact is expected if all garbage is disposed of 

in landfills, according to research by (Mendes, M. R., Aramaki, T., & Hanaki, K. , 

2004) which was partially mitigated by the inclusion of electricity production in 

landfills.  

Similarly, it was discovered that incineration with eventual disposal of ash by 

landfilling causes the least environmental burden.For their part, (Cucchiella, F., 

D’Adamo, I., & Gastaldi, M., 2017) compared landfills to WTE facilities. Examining a 

case study that suggests a WTE plant in the Abruzzo area supplied data confirming that 

the technique is more acceptable and ecological than landfill without sacrificing 

recycling and reuse levels. 

In addition, it was discovered that the mass burning of solid waste can produce the 

largest amount of electrical capacity when compared to mass burning with recycling 

and rejected derived fuel (RDF) with bio-methanation (Khobar, 2015). Additionally, 

they verify that 11.25 MW of power can be generated in Jeddah city, KSA, under the 

incineration scenario, and 180 MW of electricity may be generated under the 

incineration plus recycling scenario. 

With regards to power production and GHG reduction, (Rajaeifar et al. (2017), the 

following technologies: AD, incineration, and pyrolysis-gasification. Using a life cycle 

assessment method, we assessed the theoretical and technological potentials of energy 

generation and reduction of GHG emissions. WTE technologies supply the benefits of 

efficient waste processing and sustainable power production that is also economically 

feasible, as evidenced by the information available from Iran. 



23 

examined the typical MSW procedures, forms, and volumes to look for opportunities to 

better use MSW. They looked at the possibility that MSW's energy output may 

guarantee Serbia's continued progress toward eco-friendliness and independence from 

foreign energy imports. Their research found that the past WTE procedures in Serbia 

had failed for several reasons, including a lack of solid laws and regulations and a 

shortage of economic and logistical management. However, the increase in energy 

consumption and the accompanying increases in cost have contributed to WTE's 

increased popularity for several other reasons as well. 

 Overall, waste-to-energy integration with a waste management strategy and waste 

reduction achieved the best results. The technologies, benefits, and costs of WTE 

facilities were reviewed in an economic analysis of the WTE sector in China by Zhao et 

al. (2016). An ROI, NPV, IRR, and simulation all entailed the economic evaluation. 

Costs associated with WTE may be broken down into two categories: investment costs 

and operational costs. Operating expenses include things like raw goods, employee 

salaries and benefits, and repairs, as well as any added economic or environmental costs 

related to environmental control and management. Investment expenses include the 

price of all proper tools, devices, and construction works. 

(Cucchiella et al., 2017), for example, conducted a study on the topic of the 

environmentally responsible operation of waste-to-energy plants. Over fifty percent of 

Italy's garbage ends up in landfills, and that's the primary issue. According to the 

authors, immediate measures are needed to ensure the proper environmental handling of 

trash, which has the potential to bring about positive outcomes for the environment and 

the economy. They suggested a nationwide waste management strategy to calculate the 

economic net present value of WTE plants, decide how much labor would be created, 

and examine the viability of WTE facilities in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The 

authors proved that WTE techniques can achieve energy independence through the 

collection of electrical and thermal energy from waste in the same way as other RES 

can. 

 Furthermore, they emphasize the necessity of tight regulation to minimize unintended 

negative effects on public health and the environment from WTE facilities in 

comparison to older incinerators. To lessen the harmful impact on human health and cut 



24 

down on CO2 emissions from trash transportation, incineration stations should be placed 

near where garbage is generated.  

Planning to complete a SWM processing and disposal project requires doing a SWOT 

analysis. The first thing decision-makers would do is look at the SWOT analysis to see 

if the goal is even possible. If the intended result cannot be accomplished, a new or 

revised objective must be selected, and the procedure must begin again from the 

beginning. To get the most out of a SWOT analysis and find a competitive edge, users 

need to ask and answer certain questions in order to generate useful data for each 

strategic fit (Aich, A., & Ghosh, S. K., 2016). 

The value of SWOT lies in assessing the strategic positioning of the industrial cluster 

and helping in the approach to growing competitiveness, as highlighted by 

(Beloborodko, A., Romagnoli, F., Rosa, M., Disanto, C., Salimbeni, R., Karlsen, E. N., 

... & Blumberga, D. , 2015) to the broad applications for which a SWOT analysis can be 

undertaken to assist in identifying and improving the system. The analysis may be used 

to help identify and improve the system. According to Pesonen & Horn, (2013), a 

SWOT analysis begins with a situational analysis to describe the internal (strengths and 

weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) aspects of business development, 

as well as the internal and external building management strategy of any project or 

organization. 

It is impossible to say that a particular technology is sustainable in another location if it 

is only viable in one. Whether or not something is suitable is determined by several 

criteria, including the nature and quantity of the trash, the local climate, the 

environmental laws and regulations, the availability of human resources, and other 

similar considerations. According to Aich & Ghosh, (2016), selecting the most 

appropriate technology for the treatment and disposal of municipal solid waste depends 

on analyzing the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) of the 

external and internal factors of the waste treatment and disposal project. This is done in 

accordance with the technology that can be applied within the conditions and factors 

that have been mentioned. It is important to note that this is the case. 

   



25 

Chapter Two 

Methodology 

2.1 Research Methodology 

This thesis employs an exploration methodology due to its uniqueness in Palestine. 

According to the aims and scope, there have been few studies published on waste-to-

energy systems in Palestine, in addition nobody has examined the possibility of 

constructing or employing one of these methods. Also, the objective of this research is 

to discover and investigate new information based on energy scenarios, costs, and 

capacity in Palestine, as well as to gather and examine the energy and electricity laws 

and strategies for implementing renewable energy solutions. The researcher decided to 

do similar work regarding legislation and policies guiding waste management, energy 

production, and environmental conservation. The study's methodology comprises the 

gathering and assessment of both qualitative and quantitative information as well as 

SWOT analysis. Key informants from the Local Government, the Palestinian 

Authorities of Energy, the Joint Services Councils, Palestinian Electricity Regulation 

Council, and Palestinian Electricity Transmission Company, were interviewed using a 

semi-structured format as part of the qualitative approach. A quantitative method 

including MSW generation in the main states of the country, energy potential for each 

site, environmental assessment using suitable calculations, and economic evaluation 

will be analyzed using a quantitative research approach, as detailed below. 

2.2 Collecting the Data 

Data was gathered through a series of interviews with key participants and officers 

working in the relevant Palestinian government entities responsible for energy, 

environmental, and municipal solid waste management not to mention attaching the 

questions in the app. Among them are PENRA, JSCs, EQA, the Ministry of Local 

Governments, a few local governments, and the Public Energy Trading and Logistics 

Company (PETL). Furthermore, all national articles, studies, regulations, and strategies 

concerning waste management, energy consumption and capacity, and environmental 

safety policies were assessed. The Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) reports, the 

Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reports, the Ministry of Local 

Government (MOLG) reports, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 



26 

reports were the primary sources of information used to build this perspective. In order 

to better understand the practices used to examine the information and to spot patterns, 

it was decided to investigate regional and global science publications and articles. 

2.3 Criteria for Analysis 

The assessment of the information was primarily quantitative. Each scenario's technical, 

economic, and ecological details will be determined with the help of suitable equations 

as part of the quantitative approach.In order to carry out the technical analysis, the data 

gathered concerning the rates of MSW generation and the availability of power source 

in the West Bank was subjected to spatial analysis.The West Bank was subdivided 

based on the states of the country, as MSW generation and disposal are categorized by 

these administrative divisions. 

2.3.1 MSW Composition and Energy Content 

The available electrical power of the rubbish is initially calculated through finding out 

the energy content (En) for waste that expressed as En (MJ/kg) as the facility's fuel. 

Around 1200 tons of waste is thrown away daily in Zahrat Al-Finjan landfill, according 

to information about waste management from JSCs in the areas of the West Bank and 

Gaza (Yoshida, M., & Muferreh, S. A. , 2019). The energy composition of each waste 

fraction varies; however, Figure 1 indicates that all MWS created by various 

municipalities and disposed of in landfills include the unchanged waste components. 

Table 1 shows this.   

Table 1 

MSW features in Palestine 

Fraction MSW% En (MJ/kg) 

Paper 12.6 16 

Organic 50 4 

Plastics 14.6 3 

Glasses 1.8 0 

Metal 2.5 0 

Fabrics 18.5 19 
Note: (Abu Muferreh, 2019) 



27 

2.3.2 Power output potential evaluation for WTE technologies: 

The possibility of the Landfill Gas to Energy which denoted as (LFGtE) technology, 

which gained from rubbish through the anaerobic breakdown, heavily dependent on the 

methane production capacity of the garbage dumped in landfill. Factors of methane 

production include waste degradability, temperature, amount of oxygen, and moisture 

(Cai et al., 2014). Thus, it must employ a model for evaluating the potential electrical 

energy generated from the methane created. 

In the absence of a landfill gas collecting system, LFG models were initially developed 

to predict the potential for emissions from landfills and to determine the potential for 

methane production. The amount of methane gas that will be released during the project 

was predicted using the widely used model LandGEM-v302. Methane production rates 

are calculated in terms of either volume [m3] per year or cubic meters [m3] per minute 

or mass [Mg/year] using a first-order decaying equation. Land GEM was developed in 

the United States for compliance with local and federal regulations, although it was 

additionally employed for simulating LFG collection in both countries. To estimate how 

much methane will be produced, it uses the following first-order exponential equation 

(United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 2005): 

���4 =  ∑ ∑ � 	0 ��

�


���.
���
 ��������                                  (2) 

Where: 

 - QCH4 = greatest estimated ratio of CH4 generation. 

- i =time increase equal to 1 year.  

- n = (calculation year) – (first year of rubbish approval).  

- j = 0.1-year time growing. 

- k = CH4 creation value (1/yr). 

 - L0 = possible CH4 production size (m3 /ton). 

 - Mi = the quantity of rubbish that was placed in ith year (tons).  

- tij = age of the jth portion of the waste mass Mi in the ith year (decimal years). 

The software formula is for determining the creation of methane for a specific year 

based on the total amount of rubbish that has been disposed of up until that point in 

time. 



28 

• Measuring the on-site constants that affect biogas production. 

Although the amount of MSW dumped has a significant impact on the amount of 

methane produced, the first-order decay equation's fixed parameters k and L0 also play a 

significant role. For this, interviews with the dump's general manager were conducted, 

and the landfill site was inspected so that details concerning the landfill's 

characterization and future MSW management could be gleaned. 

• The CH4 production level constant (k). 

Used to describe the ratio of waste decomposition into gas. At low values of k, methane 

production is constrained since only a negligible part of the remaining waste 

decomposes annually to produce LFG. More garbage decays and turns into LFG every 

year when k is greater than one. More methane is being formed accordingly. The rate at 

which organic materials decomposes and the total amount of water in the garbage 

(derived from annual average rainfall) are the two most influential factors in 

determining the k value  (Yao, Z., Xiong, J., Yu, S., Su, W., Wu, W., Tang, J., & Wu, 

D. , 2020). As shown by equation (3) 

� =  �10��   ×  ��� �! "#�$%"&%'� �(() × 3.2) +  0.01                (3) 

• The possibility of CH4 production capacity (L0). 

Provides the probable amount of CH4 gas created by decomposing one measured ton 

(Mg) of garbage. Almost everything is conditional on the nature of the garbage at hand. 

The greater the cellulose content in the garbage, the greater the quantity of L0. While 

sites in extremely dry regions may never produce all the methane, they're capable of, L0 

is generally accepted to be unrelated to moisture overhead a certain threshold. In 

addition, L0 modifies the yearly landfill gas emissions, which are determined by, among 

other things, the parameters used to compute L0 considering shifting waste 

composition.:(Krause, M. J., Chickering, G. W., & Townsend, T. G., 2016) 

L0 = 
�-. ×/0- ×/0-1 ×.×23

24 ×
���
�.5
6�                (4) 

Where MCF a parameter for modification of CH4, DOC is the decomposable carbon 

(C), f is a fraction for the methane in biogas and DOCf is the fraction of decomposable 



29 

carbon integrated, in addition to that, 16.0/12.0 is the methane to carbon massratio; 1 

thousand is the transition from megagrams to kilograms, and (0.7140) is the density for 

CH4 gas (kg/m3). 

The formulas and equations that are utilized in this study to compute the factors and 

parameters were described in appendix c. 

After putting in the simulation's input information, which includes data about the 

landfill spot like the amount of trash dumped there each year, (MSW). Also, a starting 

and stopping year were made up to the landfill, which will be managed by using new 

technology to turn the covered biogas into electricity. For this reason, you can figure out 

how much potential electrical energy Ep (LFRE) you could get from landfill gas by using 

equation (1), which figures out how much biogas will be made at the estimated year 

because of all the trash that has been thrown away through it. To begin, the quantity of 

captured methane gas (QR) could be measured through multiplying the produced biogas 

by efficiency of the collection system (ⴄ collection system), as indicated in this 

equation:  

�7  =  �-86 × 9collection system                                 (5) 

Then, the electrical energy produced from the biogas can be attained through the 

following formula (Gonçalves et al., 2018): 

:" =  �7 × 10 × 9';�#�!!�	<=:)�5)                   (6) 

However, number ten in the equation is the transforming parameter from one m3 of 

methane into one kWh and ⴄ overall(LFGtE) is the total efficiencies that will be used in the 

LFGtE plant. 

2.4 Electricity production by the incineration technique 

In the present scenario, only electrical energy (Eele) kWh/day was considered. To 

evaluate the daily generation of electricity, determine the (En) of the MSW as indicated 

in equation (6). After that computing potential electricity (Ep) that produced from the 

incineration facility with 22% electrical facility efficiency (ⴄ overall), Also, the quantity 

of waste that isdropped off annually in tons. By equation (7) provides potential 

electrical energy in kWh which can be attained. 



30 

:� = ∑ :� ?#�$&%'� × @AB "�#$��&�C�1
1DEF��G��
                    (7) 

:"�%�$%��#�&%'�) =  HIJK ×2LLL MN
OPQ ×R� ×S GTUDEVV���F��UDE��G�)

RVU-FG�T            (8) 

:!��'�; is the factor of conversion from mega joules to kilowatt hour, ⴄ overall 

(incineration) is the overall efficiencies which will be employed for incineration 

technology. 

2.5 Electrical energy generation using anaerobic digestion 

In the biological process, oxygen is removed from the environment in order to create 

conditions that are favorable for bacteria to convert organic matter into methane. The 

biological processes involved are, at their core, identical to those involved in the 

formation of landfill gas; the only difference is that this process takes place in 

industrially well-controlled settings. The residual sludge, known as digestate, is 

converted into compost by an aerobic process so that it can be used in agriculture. 

The first step is collecting and preparing the feedstock, which can be anything from 

agricultural waste, food waste, sewage sludge, or energy crops. To prepare the 

feedstock for AD, it is routinely treated to eliminate pollutants and provide the ideal 

environment. After the feedstock has been processed, it is placed in an anaerobic 

digester, which is a hermetically sealed, oxygen-free container. The digester fosters an 

atmosphere where anaerobic bacteria can accomplish their work of decomposing 

organic materials.  

Through a series of metabolic events, the bacteria degrade the feedstock to generate 

biogas. Collecting and Storing Biogas: The digester is used to collect the biogas that is 

created during the process of anaerobic digestion. Methane (CH4) makes up most of its 

composition (25-75%) and carbon dioxide (25-55%) with trace amounts of other gases 

being present(Augusto et al., 2013). In most cases, the biogas will be cleaned to get rid 

of pollutants such as moisture, hydrogen sulfide, and other contaminants. After being 

cleaned, the biogas is placed in gas containers or tanks in preparation for subsequent 

utilization. 



31 

Biogas is burned in an engine or gas turbine to generate mechanical energy, which is 

then converted into electricity. A generator is used to transform this mechanical energy 

into electrical energy. Energy efficiency is maximized since the heat produced during 

burning can be collected and utilized for heating or other reasons. When an anaerobic 

digestion plant generates more electricity than it needs, that extra power can either be 

used to power the plant itself or sent back into the grid for broader distribution and 

consumption. Upgrading biogas to natural gas quality and injecting it into the natural 

gas system opens further applications for the fuel. Anaerobic digestion results in a by-

product called digestate, which is processed further. It's possible to extract liquid and 

solid components from the digestate. While the liquid fraction can be further processed 

or utilized for irrigation, the solid fraction can be put to good use as a nutrient-rich 

fertilizer for crops. 

For this study, it is expected that the input will consist of organic municipal garbage that 

has been collected separately. Because of this, the process is simplified, and it will 

increase the likelihood that the compost will be able to be sold. This relationship to the 

installation of separate collections could, on the other hand, result in a period of five 

years being required for implementation.Like landfill gas, biogas can be converted into 

energy.  

Energy Generation: Using anaerobic digestion (AD) technology, 600 tons of organic 

waste a day are transformed into biogas, and the biogas that is produced from this 

process is then used in a subsequent step to produce energy. When put through an AD 

conversion system, one ton of RDF waste can produce 992 kWh of power, in addition, 

the research that has been done indicates that the AD plant has an efficiency of 36% in 

terms of the creation of electrical power (International Renewable Energy Agency, 

2015). 

This thesis assumes that the entered waste will contain organic materials that has been 

collected. This simplifies the technique and makes sure that the compost can be sold 

steadily. An amount of organic waste weighing 1 ton produces 70 m2 of biogas, 

including 60% methane. (Bank, 2018)   Biogas can be transformed into electricity with 

the same process as landfill gas.    

   



32 

The following Equation is for the energy produced (kWh) using anaerobic digestion 

process (Abanades et al., 2022): 

: ��Bℎ)  =  X%'C�Y Z#'[ $&%'� \�&� �(³/ℎ) _ :� '? X%'C�Y ��Bℎ/(³)       (9) 

Where: 

• Biogas Production Rate (m³/h): the rate at which biogas is generated by anaerobic 

digestion. It depends on many factors such as the amount of waste, digester mass, 

temperature, and time.  

• En: is the energy Content of Biogas (kWh/m³): The energy content depends on the 

CH4 content of the biogas, which can change. An approximation is that 1 m³ of 

biogas can contain around 20-25 kWh of energy. 

2.6 Estimating the Economic Impact 

The feasibility of investing to fund a high-budget work is determined through the 

application of financial variables like the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), which is 

used to calculate the cost in dollars per kilowatt-hour of generated electrical energy Eele 

(kWh/day), followed by the net present value (NPV), that is utilized to analyze the 

profits of the project according to the disparity between both. Additionally, internal rate 

of return (IRR) calculations is utilized to determine the approximate highest 

profitability percentage of an investment's prospective return on investment.  

Simple Payback Period (SPP) calculations were also performed, that means the time it 

needs to collect the cost of a particular financing. Equations (10) - (13) were made using 

these economic aspects (Blank & Tarquin, 2018). 

	�`: =  
∑ a�b.�b0��

�
b�)Q
c��
 

∑ RUVU
�
b�)Q

c��
                    �10) 

dZe =  f \& − �h� + <� + `@�)
�1 + %)�

c

��
      �11) 

dZe = 0 =  ��
�1 + %)�                                �12) 

A"" = � − 1 + �d�< � − 1
d�< �                �13) 



33 

Where, in is the initial investment value, Fn is the plant fuel cost, OMn is the 

operational and maintenance cost, I is the discount rate, n is the number of time periods, 

Cn is the plant cash flows at year n, CNCF is the cumulated net cash flow, NCF is the 

net cash flow. 

2.7 Revenues 

The planned facility generates revenue (Revt) in a couple of ways. The first one is 

Revele, which is the money made by selling the electricity that is generated every day 

(in kilowatt-hours, or kWh/day). By transforming daily production into yearly and 

employing feed-in tariff parameter ($/kWh), that is 0.40 ILS/kWh and 0.1171 $/kWh 

(Tayeh et al., 2021), we may derive yearly electricity earnings in $ from annual 

electrical energy per year, as indicated in equation (15). The second form of revenue is 

called Revfee, and it comes from payments made by municipalities on gate fees. These 

payments are made for every ton of MSW that is dumped off and handled in a landfill at 

a rate of $1 per ton ($/ton). Applying formula (15), one might determine how much 

money is made annually from gate fees for MSW, where QMWSn is the quantity of 

MSW in tons that are eliminated every year. 

\�; �!� =  f :�!� × ?��[ %� &�#%?? × 365
c

��
        �14) 

\�;?�� =  f �(Yj × C�&� ?��
c

��
                          �15) 

\�;&'&�! = \�;�!� + \�;?��                                         �16) 

2.8 SWOT Analysis 

In this work, the procedures that need to be taken to carry out a full SWOT analysis to 

compare incineration, anaerobic digestion, and landfills as techniques for producing 

energy are developed according to (David, 2011)IPCC. The SWOT analysis is a 

beneficial framework that enables a methodical examination of the strengths, 

weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that relate to each alternative. It serves as an 

acronym for "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats." In the first step of the 

process, a comprehensive literature review is carried out to gather appropriate data on 



34 

the efficiency, benefits, and drawbacks of landfilling, incinerating, and anaerobic 

digesting with regard to the production of power. In addition, interviews were carried 

out with industry professionals, experts, and stakeholders in order to acquire an 

understanding of the wide range of experiences and points of view that are associated 

with these diverse techniques of energy production. 

The advantages of each approach are then broken down and analyzed in the following 

step. These may include energy efficiency, waste reduction, resource recovery, and 

interoperability with the infrastructure that is already in place. At the same time, the 

constraints of each method are assessed, considering factors such as emissions, land 

needs, public perception, and operational restrictions. 

After then, the focus of the research shifts to determining the opportunities and risks 

associated with the three methods of producing energy; anaerobic digestion, 

incineration, and landfills in order to dispose of waste. Opportunities may present 

themselves as a result of shifting policies and regulations, developments in technology, 

growing consumer demand for renewable energy sources, and the possibility of forming 

partnerships with businesses operating in other sectors. On the other side, dangers may 

occur as a result of difficulties such as more stringent environmental rules, opposition 

from the general public, cost competition, and concerns surrounding the long-term 

viability of the project. 

Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are utilized in the process of data 

collection for the analysis. Quantitative data can be acquired through metrics on energy 

output, analyses of waste composition, and cost assessments; qualitative data, on the 

other hand, can be derived from the opinions of experts, case studies, and documented 

experiences. After that, the data is thoroughly analyzed, and the found factors are placed 

into the relevant SWOT categories. 

In the final step of this analysis, the SWOT profiles of incineration, anaerobic digestion, 

and landfills as energy production technologies are contrasted. This comparison enables 

a full understanding of the relative benefits and drawbacks of each strategy by 

contrasting them side by side. The most import