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Rapid urban population growth that boosts increased waste generation and electricity demand has led to a possible alternative waste-to-energy solution in Southeast Asia. Despite some issues related to the development of the waste-to-energy sector such as public perception, all stakeholder involvement, public-private partnerships, funding, and climate factors, some Southeast Asian countries have made a reasonably successful step toward the developed technologies. Therefore, this study aimed to highlight an overview of the waste-to-energy sector in Southeast Asian countries to specify the status, challenges, opportunities, and selection of the technologies suited for the specific country. In order to achieve this aim, the study collected, synthesized, and evaluated data about waste resources, current waste management, waste-to-energy utilization, and its potential in the region based on published research papers and policy reports. It was found that the major waste-to-energy technologies in the region are incineration, landfills with gas capture, and anaerobic digestion. The total quantity of the waste-to-energy capacity from landfill biogas plants, incineration plants, and other waste-to-energy practices in the region accounts for over 323 MW at present and is expected to grow to double its current size by 2022. Meanwhile, by 2030, the realizable generation potential from renewable municipal waste in six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) amounts to 17.26 terawatt-hours (TWh). The study also specifies the requirements and considerations for the selection of waste-to-energy technologies, as well as the dimensions related to the development of the technologies. Additionally, four major aspects-technical, financial, environmental, and social and political-regarding the challenges and opportunities for the development of these technologies are considered. The challenges and opportunities related to the development of waste-to-energy in the region reveal how to overcome the drawbacks and to grasp the benefits at present and in the near future. Finally, the study is concluded with suggestions for the selection of the technologies in the region. ; Web of Science ; 10 ; 20 ; art. no. 7312

AbstractThis study investigates the vertical distribution of pollutants emitted from coal yards using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Vertical concentration measurements of black carbon (BC) and particulate matter (PM) in a range of 1 m to 100 m above ground level (AGL) in the central coal yard showed clear spatial patterns and gradients of these pollutants. In addition, measurements were taken at specific heights (1 m, 30 m AGL, and 60 m AGL) at seven locations approximately 3 km from the yard. Thirteen measurements were carried out during the non-heating period under similar weather conditions. The measured BC concentrations decreased significantly with increasing altitude, with ground-level concentrations reaching 1.88 ± 0.61 µg/m3 and decreasing by over 46% at 80 m AGL. Similarly, PM10 concentrations at 60 m AGL decreased by 21.7%, with values of 25.99 ± 9.24 µg/m3 measured near the ground level and 16.52 ± 8.31 µg/m3 at 60 m AGL. The maximum coal particle pollution from the coal depot ranges from 500 to 1,000 m. The study showed a significant decrease in BC concentrations with height above the coal yard surface. Concentrations of PM10 and PM10-TSP showed a complex distribution influenced by local emissions and long-range particle transport. Meteorological factors, especially wind speed and direction, significantly influenced the pollutant dispersion. In addition, higher pollutant concentrations were measured during dry periods than after rainfall. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the dispersion patterns and potential impacts of coal dust, enabling the implementation of targeted mitigation strategies and improved pollution control measures.