Use of Waste for Heat, Electricity and Transport – Challenges when performing Energy System Analysis

This paper presents a comparative energy system analysis of different technologies utilizing organic waste for heat, power and fuel for transport production. Technologies included in the analysis are 2nd generation biofuel production, gasification, fermentation (biogas production) and improved incineration. It is argued that it is important to assess energy technologies together with the energy systems of which they form part and influence. The energy system analysis is performed using the EnergyPLAN model, which simulates the Danish energy system hour by hour. The analysis shows that most fuel is saved by gasifying the organic waste and using the syngas for combined heat and power production. On the other hand least greenhouse gases are emitted if biogas is produced from organic waste and used for combined heat and power production. The technology which provides the cheapest CO2 reduction is gasification of waste with subsequent conversion of the gas into transport fuel.