Small-Scale Hybrid Plant Integrated with Municipal Energy Supply System

This paper describes a research programme started in 2001 to optimise environmental impact and cost of a small-scale hybrid plant based on candidate resources, transportation technologies and conversion efficiency, including integration with existing energy distribution systems. Special attention is given to a novel hybrid energy concept fuelled by municipal solid waste. The commercial interest for the model is expected to be more pronounced in remote communities and villages, including communities subject to growing prosperity. To enable optimisation of complex energy distribution systems with multiple energy sources and carriers a flexible and robust methodology must be developed. This will enable energy companies and consultants to carry out comprehensive feasibility studies prior to investment, including technological, economic and environmental aspects. Governmental and municipal bodies will be able to pursue scenario studies involving energy systems and their impact on the environment, and measure the consequences of possible regulation regimes on environmental questions. This paper describes the hybrid concept for conversion of municipal solid waste in terms of energy supply, as well as the methodology for optimising such integrated energy systems.