Unit 1: Introduction to Waste-to-Energy Conversion
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Waste-to-Energy Conversion course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Anaerobic Digestion #
a series of biological processes in which microorganisms break down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and digestate (a nutrient-rich fertilizer).
Biodegradable #
capable of being decomposed by microorganisms into simple substances found in nature.
Biomass #
organic matter, such as plant and animal waste, that can be converted into fuel or energy through various processes, including anaerobic digestion and combustion.
Biogas #
a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced through anaerobic digestion of organic matter.
Carbon Footprint #
the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Circular Economy #
an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible, and the maximum value is extracted from them whilst in use.
Combustion #
a chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidant, usually air, that releases heat and light.
Energy Crops #
plants grown specifically for energy production, such as switchgrass, miscanthus, and willow.
Energy Recovery #
the process of converting waste materials into usable heat, electricity, or fuel through various technologies, such as incineration, anaerobic digestion, and gasification.
Gasification #
a process that converts organic or fossil-based materials into a gas mixture known as syngas (synthesis gas), which can be used to generate electricity, heat, or fuels.
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) #
gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, leading to a rise in global temperatures. The main GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.
Hazardous Waste #
waste that poses a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment and is subject to regulation by environmental agencies.
Incineration #
the combustion of waste materials in a controlled environment to reduce their volume and produce energy in the form of heat or electricity.
Landfill #
a site for the disposal of waste materials, where waste is typically compacted, covered, and left to decompose naturally.
Methane (CH4) #
a potent greenhouse gas, about 25 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period.
MSW #
Municipal Solid Waste, the waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions in a given community.
Non #
recyclable Waste: waste materials that cannot be recycled or reused and must be disposed of through other means, such as incineration or landfilling.
Organic Waste #
waste materials derived from living organisms, such as food waste, yard waste, and sewage.
Pyrolysis #
a thermochemical process that decomposes organic materials in the absence of oxygen, producing a gas mixture, bio-oil, and solid char.
Recycling #
the process of converting waste materials into new products, reducing the need for raw materials and the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators.
Refuse #
derived Fuel (RDF): a fuel produced by shredding and separating combustible components of municipal solid waste.
Renewable Energy #
energy obtained from resources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and biomass.
Sustainability #
the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable Waste Management #
the application of waste management practices that minimize environmental impacts, conserve resources, and ensure the health and welfare of communities.
Waste #
to-Energy (WtE): the conversion of waste materials into usable heat, electricity, or fuel through various technologies, such as incineration, anaerobic digestion, and gasification.
Waste Minimization #
the reduction of waste materials at the source, through practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Waste Reduction #
the decrease in the generation of waste materials, achieved through practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Please note that the total word count for the glossary terms provided is approxi… #
These definitions should provide a clear and concise explanation of the terms related to Unit 1: Introduction to Waste-to-Energy Conversion in the course Professional Certificate in Waste-to-Energy Conversion.