Waste-to-Energy Market

Industry Overview

The Global Waste-to-Energy Market was valued at USD 34.50 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 48.60 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.63% during the forecast period.

Waste-to-energy (WTE) refers to a sustainable approach to convert non-recyclable waste materials into usable forms of energy. In this process waste materials are incinerated. The heat released in the process is captured and used to generate electricity or heat to use in the industrial sectors.

The benefit of WTE process is that it reduces waste in the landfills and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by offsetting the need for fossil fuels. However, stringent environmental protection is necessary in this process to manage residue and emissions effectively.

In short, WTE plays a significant role in waste management and production of renewable energy thereby creating a circular economy.

The global waste-to-energy market is divided into thermal and biological segments based on the technologies used where thermal technology segment rules over the other and municipal solid waste, agriculture waste, industrial waste, and other segments based on waste type where municipal solid waste segment is more prevalent due to an abundance of waste.

The market is also divided by its application into heat and electricity segments where the latter has a larger share due to higher demand.

Market Segmentation

Insight by Technology

The global waste-to-energy market is divided into thermal and biological segments based on the technologies used. Out of these two segments, the thermal technology segment dominated the market due to higher efficiency in converting waste into energy. Collaborative approach and partnerships with industry majors are also propelling its growth due to its enduring influence.

Insight by Waste Type

The global waste-to-energy market is also divided into municipal solid waste, agriculture waste, industrial waste, and other segments based on its type. Out of these two segments the abundance and consistent generation of waste from businesses and households makes the municipal solid waste segment more dominant.

Insight by Application

The global waste-to-energy market is divided in to electricity and heat based on application. Out of these two segments, the electricity segment holds the largest market share due to the growing demand for electricity across the globe coupled with the increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources and lower dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, government incentives and favorable policies also promotes the growth of this market segment.

Global Waste-to-Energy Market Report Coverage

Industry Dynamics

Industry Trends

There have been rapid and continuous technological developments in the energy sector to enhance the performance and efficiency of waste management and energy generation.

There is a growing utilization of circular economy concept which involves waste minimization and resource maximization has resulted in the increased trend of recycling and material recovery initiatives.

Growth Drivers

The growing need for more effective and sustainable waste management and energy production is the primary growth driver of the global waste-to-energy market. This is basically the result of the expanding urbanization that pushes the renewable energy goals.

Several partnerships and joint ventures with major players in the industry are also a significant factor that enhances the potential and momentum of this market, which facilitates further growth.

The growing need for actionable technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is a growing concern, is also driving the growth of the global waste-to-energy market.

The fast population growth and urbanization are resulting in an increased amount of waste and lowering landfill space. Coupled with environmental concerns and failing traditional waste management process this calls for better and sustainable technology, thereby facilitating the growth of the waste-to-energy market.

Adoption of this technology by environmental agencies and governments due to stringent targets, waste management practices and regulation compliance has also increased the demand for this technology as a viable solution for generating renewable energy and managing waste.

Challenges

The wrong perception among people regarding waste-to-energy plants and facilities hinders the market growth due to their opposition. People believe that these facilities create more air and noise pollution and also raise their concern about visual impact. Therefore, public resistance is a significant hurdle. Some other factors that oppose growth are high initial investments, complex regulatory frameworks, and concerns over ash disposal.  

Opportunities

Growth in the initiatives to educate people and communities through transparent communications promotes acceptance of such technologies for emission control and support for such facilities. This creates more growth opportunities. More effective community engagement strategies are also designed to overcome public resistance and promote growth opportunities.

Geographic Overview

Asia-Pacific dominates the waste-to-energy market due to growing population, rapid urbanization, and higher waste generation. There are numerous projects coming up in this region which forecasts a significant growth during the analysis period. The higher commitment towards sustainable waste management puts this region at the forefront of the global waste-to-energy industry.

In North America, the waste-to-energy market is also growing fast due to the advanced infrastructure, high waste generation, stringent regulations, and a strong emphasis on sustainability.

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

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)

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 2025–2030.

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 Application
               1.2.4.  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, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 5 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 6 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 7 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 10 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Region, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 11 Global Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Region, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 12 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 13 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 14 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018 - 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 15 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2025 - 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 18 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 19 North America Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 20 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 21 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 22 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 23 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 26 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 27 Europe Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 28 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 29 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 30 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018 - 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 31 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2025 - 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 34 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 35 Asia-Pacific Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 36 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 37 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Technology, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 38 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 39 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Waste Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion)
Table 42 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion)
Table 43 RoW Waste-to-Energy Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (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)