Thermochemical recycling of plastics – Modeling the implications for the electricity system

To achieve a circular economy, we need to reinvent the ways in which plastic products are produced, used and recycled. This study investigates cost-optimal design operation of an electrified process for production plastics that employs thermochemical recycling waste. In addition, impact this on north European electricity system is investigated. A techno-economic optimization model, with objective meeting demand lowest cost, developed. The model minimizes investment operating costs units while demands without adding carbon-dioxide atmosphere. considers different flexibility options can be applied process. fully flexible has relation time, location CO 2 utilization shows cost highest carbon circularity. At same capacity rate, i.e., there overcapacity. results show time renders 100% recovery beneficial, whereas inflexible requires development scaling-up capture storage facilities. Furthermore, plastics, availability large volumes waste favorable conditions generating at low determine units. additional produce mainly covered by increased generation from wind nuclear power plants, solar dominate modeled mix.