An Integrated Review of Waste-to-Energy Plant Efficiency Enhancement: Fuel Stability, Heat Recovery and Net Power Output Performance

Increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW) exerts significant pressure on global waste disposal systems and energy security. Waste-to-energy (WtE) technology has consequently emerged as a viable solution to reduce landfill reliance and generate renewable energy. This review examined recent advancements aimed at improving WtE power plant performance, focusing on AI-based combustion control, heat recovery strategies, and hybrid energy integration. Fuel stabilization through artificial intelligence techniques substantially reduces combustion variability and thermal losses, thereby enhancing operational stability. Heat recovery technologies improve energy utilization and boost power generation efficiency by capturing both high- and low-grade waste heat. Furthermore, hybrid integration with renewable energy systems, carbon capture, and smart grid technologies strengthen grid stability, mitigate load fluctuations, and increase overall energy system reliability. These results suggest that achieving high-performance WtE systems requires advancements at both the plant and grid levels. The review also underscores the necessity for integrated intelligent frameworks that combine these strategies to promote sustainable and resilient waste management systems.