Waste to Energy (WtE) Market

Visiongain has published a new report entitled Waste to Energy (WtE) Market Report 2025-2035: Forecasts by Waste Type (Municipal, Agricultural, Others), by Technology (Biological, Incineration, Pyrolysis, Gasification) AND Leading Regional and National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.  

The global waste to energy market is estimated at US$38.42 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period 2025-2035.

Waste Incineration Remains an Uncommon Practice in Developing Countries 

Waste incineration, a crucial element of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) solutions, remains relatively uncommon in developing countries, creating a major obstacle to the broader adoption of WtE technologies in these regions. The lack of access to advanced incineration systems and inadequate infrastructure hampers the development of efficient WtE facilities. Additionally, financial constraints make it challenging for many developing nations to invest in high-cost WtE equipment, limiting their ability to integrate these solutions into existing waste management strategies. The requirement for significant upfront capital and capacity-building efforts further impedes the expansion of WtE projects in these areas.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 277-page report provides 98 tables and 104 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the waste to energy market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Waste to Energy. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including location and component and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing waste to energy market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Availability of Municipal Solid Waste to Drive Market Growth

The global energy landscape is in a continuous state of flux, with increasing pressure on countries and industries to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards more sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. One significant solution gaining traction is the Waste to Energy (WtE) market. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a crucial feedstock in this arena, and its abundance and availability are driving the market forward.

According to the “Global Waste Management Outlook 2024” report by UNEP, the projected municipal solid waste generation in 2024 is around 2.1 billion tonnes globally, with a predicted increase to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, signifying a significant growth in waste production over the coming years.

Growing Trend of Landfill Reduction to Propel Market Growth 

The growing trend of landfill reduction and the simultaneous rise of the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) market represent a significant shift in the way the world handles waste management and energy production. In recent decades, the global population has experienced rapid growth, resulting in an increasing amount of municipal solid waste (MSW). Traditionally, landfill disposal has been the most common method of managing waste, but concerns over environmental pollution, limited land availability, and the harmful effects of methane emissions from landfills have prompted many countries to adopt more sustainable waste management practices.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Technological Advancements to Offer Lucrative Growth Avenues

The advancement of technology has greatly enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) processes. While traditional waste incineration has been effective, it has faced criticism for emitting pollutants such as dioxins, furans, and particulate matter. However, modern WtE plants now incorporate advanced air pollution control systems, including filters, scrubbers, and catalytic converters, which significantly minimize harmful emissions and ensure compliance with strict environmental regulations.

For instance, in December 2024, India’s Nagpur Municipal Corporation saw a major milestone in its waste-to-energy efforts with the inauguration of the country’s first dry fermentation technology-based WtE plant in a containerized mobile unit. This innovative project marks a significant step toward sustainable waste management in the region.

Integration with Renewable Energy Systems to Provide Key Opportunity

Combining waste-to-energy plants with other renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy creates hybrid systems that can increase energy reliability. These systems can utilize waste when other renewable sources (such as solar or wind) are intermittent, ensuring a continuous energy supply. New business models could emerge where municipalities or industries integrate WtE plants with existing renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring round-the-clock energy generation.

Integrating WtE with energy storage technologies (like batteries) can help store excess energy generated during periods of low demand and dispatch it when needed. This is particularly beneficial for intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Competitive Landscape

The global waste to energy market is highly competitive in nature as large number of well-established companies are operating in this industry. Some leading companies are ABB, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA)‎, Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Biffa, Enerkem, Hitachi, Ltd., Kanadevia Corp, Keppel Seghers, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), Ramboll Group, Reworld, SUEZ, Veolia Environmental Services, Viridor, Wheelabrator (Norican Group), and WM Intellectual Property HoldingsCompanies operating in this industry are adopting technology development, production expansion, investment, and partnership to stay competitive in this industry and gain competitive advantage over other companies.

Recent Developments

  • In December 2024, India’s Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s waste-to-energy project received a boost with the inauguration of the country’s first dry fermentation technology-based waste-to-energy plant in a containerised mobile unit. The NMC partnered with Netherlands-based Sustainable Business. Development (SusBDe) to produce 27 million cubic metres of compound biogas annually.
  • In November 2024, Waste Energy Corp. released an update regarding its groundbreaking plastic waste-to-fuel conversion business using advanced pyrolysis technology and AI. The company identified four strategic locations in 2 states for its initial operations, signalling a bold step toward combating plastic pollution while addressing the world’s growing demand for sustainable energy.
  • In June 2024, Canada Growth Fund Inc. (CGF), Gibson Energy Inc., and Varme Energy Inc. partnered strategically to develop Canada’s first waste-to-energy facility featuring integrated carbon capture technology. This innovative project aims to process 200,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, diverting residential garbage from landfills and advancing carbon-negative electricity production.

Notes for Editors

If you are interested in a more detailed overview of this report, please send an e-mail to contactus@visiongain.com or call +44 207 336 6100.

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