“Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries
Abstract Background The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Energy, Sustainability and Society |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-023-00435-y |
| _version_ | 1797363021294600192 |
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| author | Draženko Bjelić Dragana Nešković Markić Dunja Prokić Borislav N. Malinović Andrea Andrejević Panić |
| author_facet | Draženko Bjelić Dragana Nešković Markić Dunja Prokić Borislav N. Malinović Andrea Andrejević Panić |
| author_sort | Draženko Bjelić |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of fossil fuels and the operation of coal-fired power plants. Besides, these countries have very low level of waste management, which results in the uncontrolled disposal of a large amount of waste which consists of plastic and microplastic materials which are difficult to decompose in natural ecosystems. Methods Considering the type and objectives of the study, a mixed research method was chosen as a combination of exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, and modeling. Results The main result of the research shows the unfavorable situation in the field of waste management in the Republic of Serbia, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries have adopted adequate strategies and plans, but waste management is not implemented accordingly, Nevertheless, numerous problems create considerable opportunities for improvement, especially regarding the potential for energy production from waste, which is an important approach to implementing the circular economy model. The study showed that the situation is particularly unfavorable in rural areas. Hence, the research proposes (a) a novel model for waste-to-energy governance and (b) a novel model for waste-to-energy management in rural areas. The research was done, and models were developed based on the examples of the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the results can be used in countries with a similar level of waste management and with a larger share of rural areas. Conclusions The paper emphasizes the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to waste management, with emphasis on using waste-to-energy concept as particularly applicable in the transition to circular economy. This study proposes a model for the integration of waste management (with emphasis on plastic and microplastic) and energy efficiency, presenting a model of approach that can be used in countries that are at the beginning of introducing a circular economy. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T16:15:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e61494d4ed5247ebbc9c5ede9e29befe |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2192-0567 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T16:15:45Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energy, Sustainability and Society |
| spelling | doaj.art-e61494d4ed5247ebbc9c5ede9e29befe2024-01-07T12:38:16ZengBMCEnergy, Sustainability and Society2192-05672024-01-0114111810.1186/s13705-023-00435-y“Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countriesDraženko Bjelić0Dragana Nešković Markić1Dunja Prokić2Borislav N. Malinović3Andrea Andrejević Panić4Faculty of Technology, University of Banja LukaFaculty of Health Sciences, Pan-European University ApeironFaculty of Environmental Protection, Educons UniversityFaculty of Technology, University of Banja LukaFaculty of Business Economics, Educons UniversityAbstract Background The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of fossil fuels and the operation of coal-fired power plants. Besides, these countries have very low level of waste management, which results in the uncontrolled disposal of a large amount of waste which consists of plastic and microplastic materials which are difficult to decompose in natural ecosystems. Methods Considering the type and objectives of the study, a mixed research method was chosen as a combination of exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, and modeling. Results The main result of the research shows the unfavorable situation in the field of waste management in the Republic of Serbia, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries have adopted adequate strategies and plans, but waste management is not implemented accordingly, Nevertheless, numerous problems create considerable opportunities for improvement, especially regarding the potential for energy production from waste, which is an important approach to implementing the circular economy model. The study showed that the situation is particularly unfavorable in rural areas. Hence, the research proposes (a) a novel model for waste-to-energy governance and (b) a novel model for waste-to-energy management in rural areas. The research was done, and models were developed based on the examples of the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the results can be used in countries with a similar level of waste management and with a larger share of rural areas. Conclusions The paper emphasizes the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to waste management, with emphasis on using waste-to-energy concept as particularly applicable in the transition to circular economy. This study proposes a model for the integration of waste management (with emphasis on plastic and microplastic) and energy efficiency, presenting a model of approach that can be used in countries that are at the beginning of introducing a circular economy.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-023-00435-yWaste to energyCircular economyPolicy and governancePlastic and microplastic wasteBosnia and HerzegovinaRepublic of Serbia |
| spellingShingle | Draženko Bjelić Dragana Nešković Markić Dunja Prokić Borislav N. Malinović Andrea Andrejević Panić “Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries Energy, Sustainability and Society Waste to energy Circular economy Policy and governance Plastic and microplastic waste Bosnia and Herzegovina Republic of Serbia |
| title | “Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries |
| title_full | “Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries |
| title_fullStr | “Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries |
| title_full_unstemmed | “Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries |
| title_short | “Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries |
| title_sort | waste to energy as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the balkan countries |
| topic | Waste to energy Circular economy Policy and governance Plastic and microplastic waste Bosnia and Herzegovina Republic of Serbia |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-023-00435-y |
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