Waste-to-Energy Market

Industry Overview

Waste-to-energy (WTE) is a sustainable approach that converts non-recyclable waste materials into usable energy forms. This process involves incineration or gasification of waste, where heat released is harnessed to generate electricity or heat for industrial purposes. WTE not only reduces the volume of waste destined for landfills, but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions by offsetting the need for fossil fuels. While it's an effective method to extract value from waste, proper environmental safeguards are crucial to manage emissions and residue effectively. WTE plays a vital role in the circular economy, contributing to both waste management solutions and renewable energy generation.

Global waste-to-energy market was worth USD 34.50 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 48.60 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.63% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-2030. Waste-to-energy demand is rising due to increasing waste generation, growing environmental concerns, stringent regulations, and a rising demand for renewable energy sources. This convergence fuels the adoption of waste-to-energy technologies for sustainable waste management and energy production.

Geographically, the market is expanding rapidly in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific, as a result of the advanced infrastructure, stringent regulations, high waste generation, and a strong focus on sustainability; however, the market confronts constraints such as high initial investment costs, public opposition, complex regulatory frameworks, and concerns about air emissions and ash disposal. Overall, the global waste-to-energy market offers potential prospects for market participants to develop and fulfill the growing needs of wide range of industries including transportation, energy storage, consumer electronics, and other industries.

Market Segmentation

Insight by Technology

Based on the technology, the global waste-to-energy market is segmented into thermal and biological. In 2022, thermal technology dominated the global waste-to-energy market due to its efficiency in converting waste into energy. Incineration and gasification processes release heat used to generate electricity or heat. Covanta, a prominent company, operates over 40 WTE facilities in North America, exemplifying this technology's widespread adoption. Covanta's Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facilities have collectively converted millions of tons of waste into clean energy. Additionally, partnerships like that between Hitachi Zosen Inova and Wheelabrator Technologies have further propelled the industry forward. Their joint venture aims to develop and operate cutting-edge waste-to-energy plants, showcasing the enduring influence of thermal technology in waste management and sustainable energy production.

Insight by Waste Type

Based on the waste type, the global waste-to-energy market is segmented into municipal solid waste, agriculture waste, industrial waste, and others. In 2022, municipal solid waste dominated the global waste-to-energy market due its abundance and consistent generation from households and businesses. According to the World Bank, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually. This waste stream offers a reliable source for energy conversion. Companies like Babcock & Wilcox are key players utilizing MSW in their waste-to-energy facilities. Their technology efficiently transforms MSW into electricity and heat. Moreover, partnerships such as Keppel Seghers and Beijing Environment Equipment Group have resulted in state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plants, such as the Tuas WTE Plant in Singapore. These collaborations showcase the prominence of MSW in the global waste-to-energy market.

Waste-To-Energy Market Report Coverage

Industry Dynamics

Growth Drivers

Need for sustainable waste management

A significant driver for the global waste-to-energy market is the pressing need for sustainable waste management amidst burgeoning urbanization. Hitachi Zosen Inova, in partnership with METKA EGN, exemplifies this trend with their waste-to-energy plant in Australia. This facility converts 400,000 tons of non-recyclable waste into 5MW of electricity annually, contributing to the region's renewable energy goals. Additionally, the Covanta-Dubal joint venture in the UAE underscores the market's momentum. Their WTE plant in Dubai processes 1.5 million tons of waste each year, demonstrating how waste-to-energy addresses both waste disposal challenges and the demand for clean, reliable energy in rapidly growing urban areas.

Need for sustainable technologies

Increasing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is another major driver for the global waste-to-energy market. Companies such as Waste Management and Green Conversion Systems have projects that convert organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG). For instance, Waste Management's Milam Landfill Gas-to-Energy Plant in Washington converts landfill gases into RNG, displacing traditional fossil fuels, resulting in significantly less emissions. Additionally, the Renewable Energy Group (REG) has various waste-to-energy plants to produce biodiesel from waste fats, oils, and greases. This drive to lower carbon footprints propels the waste-to-energy market as a crucial player in sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Challenge

Public perception and opposition

One major challenge for the growth of the global waste-to-energy market is public perception and opposition. Communities often express concerns about potential air pollution, noise, and visual impact associated with waste-to-energy facilities. Addressing these apprehensions and engaging in transparent communication with the public is crucial for gaining acceptance and support for such projects. Additionally, educating communities about the advanced emission control technologies and stringent regulatory standards employed in modern waste-to-energy plants can help alleviate concerns. Overcoming public resistance remains a significant hurdle in expanding the waste-to-energy market and necessitates effective community engagement strategies.

Geographic Overview

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific (APAC)

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

The global Waste-to-energy market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, and Middle East and Africa region. The global waste-to-energy market was dominated by the Asia-Pacific in 2022 due to rapid urbanization, burgeoning populations, and escalating waste generation. Companies like China Everbright International have spearheaded this growth with numerous waste-to-energy projects across the region. Their Nantong Waste-to-Energy Project in China exemplifies this trend, processing 1,000 tons of waste daily. Moreover, partnerships between Hitachi Zosen Inova and Zhejiang Energy in China have resulted in cutting-edge waste-to-energy plants, like the Shaoxing WTE Plant. The surge in waste volumes, coupled with a commitment to sustainable waste management, positions Asia-Pacific at the forefront of the global waste-to-energy industry.

Competitive Insight

Covanta is a prominent player in the global waste-to-energy market, renowned for its extensive network of over 40 Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facilities in North America. Their plants efficiently convert millions of tons of non-recyclable waste into clean electricity and heat annually. Covanta also leads in environmental sustainability with initiatives like the Covanta Environmental Solutions, focusing on hazardous and non-hazardous waste management. Moreover, Covanta has partnered with the Green Investment Group (GIG) to develop new EfW projects, exemplifying its commitment to expanding sustainable waste management solutions. With a strong presence and ongoing investments, Covanta maintains a pivotal position in the global waste-to-energy market.

Hitachi Zosen Inova is a leading force in the global waste-to-energy market, known for its cutting-edge solutions in waste treatment and energy recovery. The company has established a strong presence worldwide, with numerous waste-to-energy projects in Asia, Europe, and North America. Noteworthy partnerships include collaborations with Beijing Environment Equipment Group in China and Zhejiang Energy in Shaoxing. These ventures have resulted in state-of-the-art waste-to-energy facilities, showcasing Hitachi Zosen Inova's expertise. Additionally, the company continues to invest in research and development, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in sustainable waste management and energy production.

Recent Development by Key Players

In October 2023, Yokogawa Electric Corporation completed installation of the FuzEvent combustion control solution at a waste-to-energy (WtE) plant operated by Krakowski Holding Komunalny SA in Krakow, Poland. FuzEvent was developed by Dublix Technology ApS and it increases the waste incineration volume by 2.5% (equivalent to 5,500 tons annually if the plant is operated at full capacity)

In October 2023, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering received an order from the Fukushima Municipal Government to rebuild the city's Abukuma Clean Center Incineration Plant (Superannuated Waste-to-Energy Plant). The contract includes two stoker-type incinerators with waste processing capacity of 120 tpd, contributing to Fukushima's quest to become a "zero carbon city".

Key Players Covered in the Report

Covanta, China Everbright International, Veolia, Hitachi Zosen Inova, Babcock & Wilcox, Wheelabrator Technologies, Keppel Seghers, Suez, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Martin GmbH, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Constructions Industrielles de la Méditerranée (CNIM), Novo Energy, Xcel Energy, Viridor, Waste Management, Green Conversion Systems, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Guangzhou Energy, and C&G Environmental Protection Holdings.

The Waste-to-energy market report offers a comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with an estimation for the forecast period 2023–2030.

Segments Covered in the Report

• Technology

• Thermal

• Biological

• Waste Type

• Municipal solid waste

• Agriculture waste

• Industrial waste

• Others

Region Covered in the Report

• North America

• U.S.

• Canada

• Mexico

• Europe

• Germany

• U.K.

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Russia

• Rest of Europe

• Asia-Pacific (APAC)

• China

• Japan

• Vietnam

• India

• South Korea

• Rest of Asia-Pacific

• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

• UAE

• Saudi Arabia

• South Africa

• Rest of MEA

• Latin America

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Chile

• Rest of LATAM

Primary Research Interviews Breakdown

1.  Research Overview

       1.1.  The Report Offers
       1.2.  Market Coverage
               1.2.1.  By Technology
               1.2.2.  By Waste Type
               1.2.3.  By Region
        1.3.  Research Phases
        1.4.  Limitations
        1.5.  Market Methodology
                1.5.1.  Data Sources
                           1.5.1.1.  Primary Research
                           1.5.1.2.  Secondary Research
                1.5.2.  Methodology
                           1.5.2.1.  Data Exploration
                           1.5.2.2.  Forecast Parameters
                           1.5.2.3.  Data Validation
                           1.5.2.4.  Assumptions
                1.5.3.  Study Period & Data Reporting Unit

2.  Executive Summary

3.  Industry Overview

       3.1.  Industry Dynamics
               3.1.1.  Market Growth Drivers
               3.1.2.  Market Restraints
                3.1.3. Key Market Trends
                3.1.4. Major Opportunities
        3.2.  Industry Ecosystem
                3.2.1.  Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
                3.2.2.  Recent Development Analysis
                3.2.3.  Value Chain Analysis
         3.3.  Competitive Insight
                3.3.1.  Competitive Position of Industry Players
                3.3.2.  Market Attractive Analysis
                3.3.3.  Market Share Analysis

4.  Global Market Estimate and Forecast

     4.1.  Global Market Overview
     4.2.  Global Market Estimate and Forecast to 2030

5.  Market Segmentation Estimate and Forecast

     5.1.  By Technology
             5.1.1.  Thermal
                        5.1.1.1.  Market Definition
                        5.1.1.2.  Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030 
             5.1.2.  Biological
                        5.1.2.1.  Market Definition
                        5.1.2.2.  Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030

     5.2.  By Waste Type
             5.2.1.  Municipal Solid Waste
                        5.2.1.1.  Market Definition
                        5.2.1.2.  Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
             5.2.2.  Agriculture Waste
                        5.2.2.1.  Market Definition
                        5.2.2.2.  Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
             5.2.3.  Industrial Waste
                        5.2.3.1.  Market Definition
                        5.2.3.2.  Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
             5.2.4.  Others
                        5.2.4.1.  Market Definition
                        5.2.4.2.  Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
6.  North America Market Estimate and Forecast

      6.1.  By Technology
      6.2.  By Waste Type
      6.3.  By Country
              6.3.1.  U.S. Market Estimate and Forecast
              6.3.2.  Canada Market Estimate and Forecast
              6.3.3.  Mexico Market Estimate and Forecast

7.  Europe Market Estimate and Forecast

     7.1.  By Technology
     7.2.  By Waste Type
     7.3.  By Country
             7.3.1.    Germany Market Estimate and Forecast
             7.3.2.    France Market Estimate and Forecast
             7.3.3.    U.K. Market Estimate and Forecast
             7.3.4.    Italy Market Estimate and Forecast
             7.3.5.    Spain Market Estimate and Forecast
             7.3.6.    Rest of Europe Market Estimate and Forecast

8.  Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast

     8.1.  By Technology
     8.2.  By Waste Type
     8.3.  By Country
             8.3.1.  China Market Estimate and Forecast
             8.3.2.  Japan Market Estimate and Forecast
             8.3.3.  India Market Estimate and Forecast
             8.3.4.  South Korea Market Estimate and Forecast
             8.3.5.  Singapore Market Estimate and Forecast
             8.3.6.  Rest of Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast

9.  Rest of the World (RoW) Market Estimate and Forecast

     9.1.  By Technology
     9.2.  By Waste Type
     9.3.  By Country
             9.3.1.  Brazil Market Estimate and Forecast
             9.3.2.  Saudi Arabia Market Estimate and Forecast
             9.3.3.  South Africa Market Estimate and Forecast
             9.3.4.  Other Countries Market Estimate and Forecast

10.  Company Profiles

       10.1.  Covanta
                 10.1.1.  Snapshot
                 10.1.2.  Overview
                 10.1.3.  Offerings
                 10.1.4.  Financial Insight
                 10.1.5.  Recent Developments
        10.2.  China Everbright International
                  10.2.1.  Snapshot
                  10.2.2.  Overview
                  10.2.3.  Offerings
                   10.2.4.  Financial Insight
                   10.2.5.  Recent Developments
        10.3.  Veolia
                  10.3.1.  Snapshot
                  10.3.2.  Overview
                  10.3.3.  Offerings
                  10.3.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.3.5.  Recent Developments
        10.4.  Hitachi Zosen Inova
                  10.4.1.  Snapshot
                  10.4.2.  Overview
                  10.4.3.  Offerings
                  10.4.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.4.5.  Recent Developments
        10.5.  Babcock & Wilcox
                  10.5.1.  Snapshot
                  10.5.2.  Overview
                  10.5.3.  Offerings
                  10.5.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.5.5.  Recent Developments
        10.6.  Wheelabrator Technologies
                  10.6.1.  Snapshot
                  10.6.2.  Overview
                  10.6.3.  Offerings
                  10.6.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.6.5.  Recent Developments
        10.7.  Keppel Seghers
                  10.7.1.  Snapshot
                  10.7.2.  Overview
                  10.7.3.  Offerings
                  10.7.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.7.5.  Recent Developments
        10.8.  Suez
                  10.8.1.  Snapshot
                  10.8.2.  Overview
                  10.8.3.  Offerings
                  10.8.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.8.5.  Recent Developments
        10.9.  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering
                  10.9.1.  Snapshot
                  10.9.2.  Overview
                  10.9.3.  Offerings
                  10.9.4.  Financial Insight
                  10.9.5.  Recent Developments
        10.10.  Martin GmbH
                    10.10.1.  Snapshot
                    10.10.2.  Overview
                    10.10.3.  Offerings
                    10.10.4.  Financial Insight
                    10.10.5.  Recent Developments
    10.11.  Sumitomo Heavy Industries
                10.11.1.  Snapshot
                10.11.2.  Overview
                10.11.3.  Offerings
                10.11.4.  Financial Insight
                10.11.5.  Recent Developments
    10.12  Constructions Industrielles de la Méditerranée (CNIM)
               10.12.1. Snapshot
               10.12.2. Overview
               10.12.3. Offerings
               10.12.4. Financial Insight
               10.12.5. Recent Developments
    10.13.  Novo Energy
                10.13.1.  Snapshot
                10.13.2.  Overview
                10.13.3.  Offerings
                10.13.4.  Financial Insight
                10.13.5.  Recent Developments
    10.14  Xcel Energy
               10.14.1. Snapshot
               10.14.2. Overview
               10.14.3. Offerings
               10.14.4. Financial Insight
               10.14.5. Recent Developments
    10.15.  Viridor
                10.15.1.  Snapshot
                10.15.2.  Overview
                10.15.3.  Offerings
                10.15.4.  Financial Insight
                10.15.5.  Recent Developments
    10.16.  Waste Management
                10.16.1.  Snapshot
                10.16.2.  Overview
                10.16.3.  Offerings
                10.16.4.  Financial Insight
                10.16.5.  Recent Developments
    10.17.  Green Conversion Systems
                10.17.1.  Snapshot
                10.17.2.  Overview
                10.17.3.  Offerings
                10.17.4.  Financial Insight
                10.17.5.  Recent Developments
    10.18.  Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
                10.18.1.  Snapshot
                10.18.2.  Overview
                10.18.3.  Offerings
                10.18.4.  Financial Insight
                10.18.5.  Recent Developments
    10.19.  Guangzhou Energy
                10.19.1.  Snapshot
                10.19.2.  Overview
                10.19.3.  Offerings
                10.19.4.  Financial Insight
                10.19.5.  Recent Developments
    10.20.  C&G Environmental Protection Holdings
                10.20.1.  Snapshot
                10.20.2.  Overview
                10.20.3.  Offerings
                10.20.4.  Financial Insight
                10.20.5.  Recent Developments
11.    Appendix

        11.1.    Exchange Rates
        11.2.    Abbreviations

Note: Financial insight and recent developments of different companies are subject to the availability of information in the secondary domain.

List of Tables

Table 1 Sources
Table 2 Study Periods
Table 3 Data Reporting Unit
Table 4 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 5 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 6 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 7 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 10 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Region, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 11 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Region, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 12 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 13 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 14 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018–2022 (USD Billion)
Table 15 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2023–2030 (USD Billion)
Table 18 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 19 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 20 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 21 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 22 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 23 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 26 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 27 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 28 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 29 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 30 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018–2022 (USD Billion)
Table 31 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2023–2030 (USD Billion)
Table 34 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 35 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 36 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 37 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 38 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 39 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 42 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2022 (USD Billion)
Table 43 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2023 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 44 Snapshot – Covanta
Table 45 Snapshot – China Everbright International
Table 46 Snapshot – Veolia
Table 47 Snapshot – Hitachi Zosen Inova
Table 48 Snapshot – Babcock & Wilcox
Table 49 Snapshot – Wheelabrator Technologies
Table 50 Snapshot – Keppel Seghers
Table 51 Snapshot – Suez
Table 52 Snapshot – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering
Table 53 Snapshot – Martin GmbH
Table 54 Snapshot – Sumitomo Heavy Industries
Table 55 Snapshot – Constructions Industrielles de la Méditerranée (CNIM)
Table 56 Snapshot – Novo Energy
Table 57 Snapshot – Xcel Energy
Table 58 Snapshot – Viridor
Table 59 Snapshot – Waste Management
Table 60 Snapshot – Green Conversion Systems
Table 61 Snapshot – Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
Table 62 Snapshot – Guangzhou Energy
Table 63 Snapshot – C&G Environmental Protection Holdings

List of Figures

Figure 1 Market Coverage
Figure 2 Research Phases
Figure 3 Secondary Sources for Different Parameters
Figure 4 Methodology
Figure 5 Data Mining & Exploration
Figure 6 Data Triangulation
Figure 7 Assumptions for Market Estimation and Forecast
Figure 8 Market Synopsis
Figure 9  Global Waste-to-Energy Market - Growth Drivers and Restraints
Figure 10 Competitive Benchmark
Figure 11 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Highlight
Figure 12 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size,  by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 13 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 15 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Region, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 16 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Highlight
Figure 17 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size,  by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 18 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type 2018–2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 20 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 21 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Highlight
Figure 22 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size,  by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 23 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 25 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 26 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Highlight
Figure 27 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size,  by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 28 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 30 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 31 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Highlight
Figure 32 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size,  by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 33 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 35 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)