Organic Waste Resource Gasification: Current Status and Perspectives

Korea consumes a large amount of energy. Korea is vulnerable to energy security due to its high dependence on energy imports. The amount of waste generated in South Korea is increasing every year. Recycling accounted for the highest proportion of waste disposal methods at 86.6%, but this was calculated based on the amount brought into recycling facilities. In fact, large amounts of waste are landfilled or incinerated. Landfilling and incineration of waste causes various environmental pollution problems. We need innovative and practical technologies that convert waste into energy and have less impact on the environment. Waste gasification technology is currently attracting attention because it emits less pollutants and can produce energy using waste as a raw material. In this review, we briefly summarized the principles and characteristics of the gasification process, and discussed the current status and limitations of waste gasification process equipment in Japan and overseas, and the direction that should be taken from the technical and institutional aspects.