Analysis of the applicability of Ordinance 557 of the Ministry of Cities in technical-economic feasibility studies for incineration with MSW energy recovery in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Technical-economic feasibility studies are essential elements for making sanitation projects feasible, including projects of MSW incinerators with energy recovery. This article is based on the reference standards for technical-economic feasibility studies according to Ordinance No. 557 (2016) of the Ministry of Cities, provided for in Law No. 11.445, which establishes national guidelines for basic sanitation. Technical visits were carried out in four incinerators in Switzerland and two in Portugal in order to establish a benchmark to reference the analysis of the application of the Ordinance, the identification of critical factors that hinder the adoption of this technology in Brazil, as well as the necessary actions for technical-economic feasibility. The objective of this article is to propose an adaptation of the technical-economic feasibility studies model of the Ordinance for a MSW incinerator project with energy recovery, identifying the critical factors and actions related to the financial-economic viability that hinder the adoption of this technology in Brazil. The critical factors identified were the location of the plant, the Not in My Backyard effect, the concept of conflict between recycling and incineration, the high initial investment, the risk of adopting technologies that have already been overcome, the lack of experience and hands of qualified local work, variation and seasonality in MSW supply, volatility in the price of energy in the market, minimum revenues for financial viability, adequacy of the legal framework, and selection of an appropriate business model.

Keywords:
solid waste; incineration; techno-economic feasibility study; Ordinance No. 557, Ministry of Cities