Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The global waste to energy (WTE) market value reached USD 54.42 Billion in 2024. During the forecast period of 2025 and 2034, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.70% to reach a value of around USD 150.40 Billion by 2034.

Waste to energy is the process of transforming waste using thermochemical and biochemical processes to produce energy in the form of heat or electricity. It is also known as EFW (energy-from-waste). WTE technologies offer an energy security option in addition to a better method of waste disposal.

Over the forecast period, the waste to energy (WTE) industry growth is expected to be significantly influenced by favourable regulatory policies that encourage appropriate waste disposal, energy production, and rising energy demands from the end-use sector.

Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Analysis

The waste to energy (WTE) market dynamics and trends are gaining momentum due to increasing waste production, heightened focus on effective waste management for sustainable urban living, and a growing interest in alternative energy sources.

Greater government initiatives and policies, coupled with a stronger emphasis on decreasing dependence on coal and other fossil fuels, are expected to further drive the demand of the waste to energy (WTE) market.

Waste to Energy (WTE) Industry Outlook

According to Seattle Public Utilities, the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Seattle from 2018 to 2020 showed clear sectoral trends. The multifamily sector's MSW share notably increased from 23% in 2018 to 30% in 2020. The residential sector's share of MSW also grew, rising from 16% in both 2018 and 2019 to 19% in 2020. At the same time, self-haul municipal solid waste (MSW) stayed consistent, making up about 8% in 2018 and 2019, with a small increase to 9% in 2020. This rise contributes to the growth of the waste to energy (WTE) market revenue, which converts municipal solid waste into usable energy like electricity or heat using various technologies.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, total solid waste disposal in New Hampshire increased slightly from 1,956,789 tons in 2020 to 1,999,123 tons in 2021. Waste from in-state sources saw a notable rise, growing from 1,042,957 tons in 2020 to 1,121,263 tons in 2021, an increase of approximately 78,306 tons. This growth raised the proportion of in-state waste from 53% to 56%, indicating a heightened reliance on local waste generation and disposal capabilities.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board of Delhi, for the 2020-21 period, Delhi had the highest per capita waste generation in India, exceeding 450 grams per day. Lakshadweep and Mizoram followed closely, each generating around 400 grams per capita per day. Daman and Diu, Puducherry, and Telangana also showed high per capita waste generation, each surpassing 300 grams per day. Meanwhile, Haryana and Maharashtra produced between 200 and 250 grams of waste per capita per day. States such as Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal showed per capita waste generation ranging from 150 to 200 grams daily. Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand had lower rates, generating between 100 and 150 grams per capita per day. This variation in waste generation supports the growth of the waste to energy (WTE) industry revenue in India, driven by increasing waste production, a focus on sustainable waste management, and the push for alternative energy sources.

WTE technology helps reduce landfill waste while generating renewable energy, supporting environmental sustainability further driving the WTE maeket demand.

• It can generate electricity and heat, providing a versatile solution to energy needs.
• Helps municipalities cut costs associated with waste disposal and landfill use.

Significant capital is required for plant construction and technology.

• Potential emissions and pollutants can impact local air quality if not properly managed.
• The effectiveness of WTE plants depends on a steady and sufficient waste supply.

Innovations can improve efficiency and reduce emissions, making WTE more attractive.

• Increasing waste generation globally boosts the demand for WTE solutions.
• Government incentives and regulations favouring renewable energy can enhance the growth of the waste to energy (WTE) industry.

Stringent environmental regulations and permitting can hinder project development.

• Advancements in other renewable energy sources may overshadow WTE.
• Negative public perception and opposition to WTE facilities can delay or block projects.

Key Players in the Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Market and Their Key Initiatives

Veolia S.A.

• Launched a Power-to-Liquid project in Portugal to meet the growing demand of the waste to energy (WTE) market.
• Invested in carbon capture technologies.

Suez S.A.

• Signed a strategic partnership with Chongqing Sanfeng.
• Launched a hydrogen production plant in Créteil.

Hitachi Zosen Inova AG

• Developed the world's most advanced Waste to Energy facility in Abu Dhabi to capture the waste to energy (WTE) market opportunities.
• Acquired Babcock & Wilcox Renewable Service A/S.

Keppel Seghers

• Opened a new WTE plant in Singapore.
• Expanded Shenzhen WTE plant capacity by 3,000 tonnes.

Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Industry Segmentation

“Global Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Process

• Incineration
• Gasification
• Biological
• Pyrolysis
• Others

Market Breakup by Source

• MSW (Municipal Solid Waste)
• Agriculture Waste
• Medical Waste
• Others

Market Breakup by Technology

• Fluidised Bed
• Rotary Kiln
• Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Heating
• Power Generation
• Combined Heat & Power
• Transport

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Waste to Energy (WTE) Market Share

In the waste to energy (WTE) market, fluidised beds are widely used technologies that mix fluid and solid particles to efficiently carry out various physical and chemical processes. They are employed in numerous applications, including the cracking and reforming of hydrocarbons, coal carbonization and gasification, ore roasting, waste combustion, and burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.

Rotary kilns, known for their versatility, are commonly used for incinerating solid and liquid waste. They heat materials to specific temperatures in a controlled environment to induce chemical or physical reactions, further boosting the growth of the waste to energy (WTE) market.

Leading Companies in the Waste to Energy (WTE) Market

The company’s focus is on energy services, speciality insurance, and waste disposal. They also own and manage power generation and waste-to-energy projects.

• Veolia S.A.
• Suez S.A.
• Hitachi Zosen Inova AG
• Keppel Seghers
• Martin GmbH
• China Everbright Environment Group Ltd
• Jansen Combustion and Boiler
• Grandblue Environment Co Ltd
• Attero
• Covanta Holding Corporation

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