Robust optimization for the application strategy of medical waste plasma gasification integrated with other waste treatments

Plasma gasification of medical waste (MW) is a clean and promising waste-to-energy approach that also prevents viral transmission. However, its fluctuating technical efficiency limits effective application. Integrating MW plasma gasification with other waste treatment systems is regarded as an effective strategy for improving treatment efficiency. To support robust and comprehensive decision-making, this study develops a multi-objective dynamic robust optimization model in which municipal solid waste incineration and sludge pyrolysis serve as alternative integration options, with technical efficiency and electricity price treated as uncertain parameters, to obtain robust optimal solutions under a range of operating scenarios. The results show that the robust solution remains feasible and profitable even in the worst case, at the cost of a moderate profit concession. Sludge pyrolysis integration dominates the optimal configuration, whereas municipal solid waste incineration integration arises under specific conditions, such as high-carbon MW feedstock or low decision-maker risk tolerance. Fluctuations in technical efficiency and electricity price can both alter the technology selection. This study provides managers with a transferable tool for MW plasma gasification decision-making.