An overview of methods and future research directions on the conversion of solid waste through biomass cogeneration and pyrolysis for electrical power generation

The increasing global demand for clean and sustainable energy continues to drive extensive research into the conversion of biomass and solid waste into electrical power. This review examines key developments in power generation through biomass pyrolysis and cogeneration, with emphasis on their integration into an optimized energy framework. The study draws upon findings from several research works to identify persistent limitations in conversion efficiency, system optimization, and waste utilization. Comparative evaluations indicate that hybrid pyrolysis–cogeneration configurations can achieve up to 10–18% higher energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25% when compared with conventional thermal systems. A representative case study based on proximate and ultimate analyses of municipal solid waste further demonstrates its suitability as a potential energy feedstock. In addition, a proposed integrated energy system model incorporating heat recovery, energy flow optimization, and cost–benefit assessment highlights a feasible pathway toward low-emission, high-efficiency power production. Overall, the findings show that combining biomass pyrolysis with cogeneration within an integrated system offers significant potential for enhancing renewable energy generation and contributing to long-term decarbonization efforts.