2024 has been a positive year for Waste-to-Energy (WtE), according to the annual Waste-to-Energy Industry Barometer.

The report reveals growing optimism among WtE plant operators, with the business climate index rising to 91.7 points in 2024 from 87.6 in 2023; this in spite of the difficult economic environment.

The Barometer also indicates an improvement in plant utilisation, with 66% of respondents reporting high usage compared to 42% the previous year.

The study is published by consultancy ecoprog in collaboration with CEWEP, the Confederation of Waste-to-Energy plants.

Drawing on a survey of more than 500 WtE plant operators and 700 industry stakeholders across the world, the report highlights critical trends, achievements, and barriers within the sector.

The findings reveal growing optimism among WtE plant operators. Gate fees are projected to increase, particularly in Germany, where the introduction of a CO₂ levy in January 2024 has intensified costs for WtE plants. Simultaneously, 95% of plant operators rated their current business situation as “good” or “satisfactory,” highlighting the sector’s resilience under growing pressures.

The report additionally underscores significant barriers to advancing carbon management technologies, including high investment costs, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure challenges such as the lack of CO₂ transport pipelines.

Although 61% of operators are discussing carbon capture projects, only 14% have taken decisive steps toward implementation.

Many industry participants view carbon management as vital for achieving the EU’s net-zero emissions targets, but progress remains slow. Operators stress the urgent need for financial incentives and legal clarity to advance carbon capture and contribute to the EU’s net-zero goals.

Globally, Europe remains the most significant market for WtE technologies, but the focus has shifted toward maintenance and modernisation of aging infrastructure rather than new constructions.

Outside Europe, market expansion is slow in regions such as India and Brazil, where inadequate financial incentives, regulatory barriers, and public perception issues hinder progress. In China, a sharp decline in WtE projects, driven by the real estate crisis, has reduced its global influence, though it remains the largest WtE market by capacity.

The Industry Barometer emphasises the importance of supportive policies and investments to sustain the sector’s growth. The findings advocate for a holistic approach to waste management, recognising the role of WtE in achieving environmental targets while addressing economic and technical challenges.

The collaboration between ecoprog and CEWEP underscores the importance of continued dialogue and innovation in the WtE industry.

Top photo: the Sysavs WtE plant in Malmö, by Andreas Offesson. © All rights reserved