According to a report by US consultancy Transparency Market Research, the global waste-to-energy market is expected be worth more than $31.8bn (£20.35bn) by 2019, largely driven by rising concern towards energy security and growing regulatory support and funding. As well as this, factors such as lower greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and taxes are also believed to affect the global waste-to-energy market.
Currently, the global leader in terms of feedstock for power generation is wood. AcuComm’s db Monitor currently shows that waste products, wood chips and specially-grown forestry products account for 12,332 MW (38.4%) of the power generation total. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) then follows this, accounting for 7,295 MW (22.7%). Other major feedstocks include plant biomass waste and other unspecified organic materials.

“By geography, the market is dominated by Asia-Pacific, generating more than 40% of the total.”
Countries in this region generally include China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea and more, all holding opportunities for both local and international investors and technology suppliers. Moreover, the Asia-Pacific is expected to see anything from twofold to 8% year-on-year growth over the next 10 years, highlighting the importance of targeting this sector.
China is of course the largest country in this region, and incorporating data up to June 2015, AcuComm holds 120 active waste projects from across the country in our Business Finder database. The total estimated value of these projects is US$15.1 billion, equal to an average value of US$126 million per project. The focus for investment in the Chinese waste sector is very much on WtE incineration, as many local authorities consider this to be greener than landfill. 62 projects are currently in our database, equal to 51.7% of the total.
However, it’s not just China that represents a rapidly growing market. With a burgeoning population of around 630 million people, South East Asia is another region that is experiencing huge economic developments that require greater and more economical power generation.
“The trend towards bio waste will be a game changer.”
The Transparency Market Research study also touches on the thought that bio waste will continue to be a trending sector. AcuComm holds 93 active biomass projects across South East Asia in its Business db as of July 2015, and these have an average value of US$94 million per project.
These projects involve the use of biomass to generate electricity, either directly or via gas production using anaerobic digestion, biofuel processes or incineration. All countries in this area have extensive agricultural sectors that utilise a range of technologies to generate huge levels of waste biomass – potentially an extremely valuable resource.
For a more in-depth, focused and strategic analysis of these regions and the Renewables & Energy from Waste industry, take a look at AcuComm’s Business Reports:
- Gain a unique understanding of what is driving specific Renewables & Energy from Waste sector projects from across the world.
- Utilise practical sector-specific information to inform business sales strategies and approaches.
- Access clear, fact-based and strategic assessments of specific key sectors.
To see the benefits of AcuComm’s Business Reports for yourself, arrange a demo with us today.