International Journal of Environmental Science and Development

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Volume 16 Number 2 (2025)

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IJESD 2025 Vol.16(2): 87-102
doi: 10.18178/ijesd.2025.16.2.1514

Multi-Sector Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Waste-to- Energy Solutions: Addressing Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts in Thailand

Atiwat Nanphang and Pongchanun Luangpaiboon*
Industrial Statistics and Operational Research Unit (ISO-RU), Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
Email:atiwat.nan@dome.tu.ac.th (A.N.); lpongch@engr.tu.ac.th (P.L.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received November 27, 2024; revised December 31, 2024; accepted January 31, 2025; published March 19, 2025

Abstract—Identifying suitable partners is crucial as countries increasingly rely on Waste-to-Energy (WtE) solutions, particularly incineration technology, for effective waste management. This investigation aims to identify the optimal investment partner for WtE projects intended to remediate municipal solid waste for Local Administrative Organizations in northeastern Thailand. When assessing potential WtE partners, considering economically viable energy sources and protecting public health and the environment are essential. Integrating energy systems with efficient waste management is imperative in regions facing significant waste challenges to achieve sustainability. To address the complexity of selecting a suitable WtE partner, a model using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was devised with waste management specialists. This approach evaluates partners based on financial stability, technical proficiency, environmental impact, contributions to sustainability, and alignment with energy policy objectives. Implementing FAHP ensures a data-driven, equitable decisionmaking process that considers both economic and environmental factors. Results show Firm A as the most advantageous, followed by Firm C; Firm B is least preferable. Sensitivity analysis verified these findings, enhancing evaluation robustness. This study emphasizes WtE partnerships’ role in mitigating waste, generating sustainable energy, and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. It underscores the need for commercial and governmental collaboration to achieve energy objectives in regional and national plans. By providing a reproducible model for partner selection in energy initiatives, particularly waste management through incineration, this innovative approach contributes to environmental engineering. Insights from this study may influence similar initiatives elsewhere, promoting a more environmentally sustainable energy future.

Keywords—Waste-to-Energy (WtE), sustainable waste management, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), renewable energy, resource management, environmental engineering

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Cite: Atiwat Nanphang and Pongchanun Luangpaiboon, "Multi-Sector Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Waste-to- Energy Solutions: Addressing Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts in Thailand," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 87-102, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).

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