World - waste-to-energy market to reach US$28.8 billion by 2015

The world market for Waste-to-Energy (WtE) is projected to reach US$28.8 billion by the year 2015. This is primarily driven by increase in solid waste generation, increase in energy costs and reduction in landfill capacity. Growing concerns about global warming, need for energy supply security, and growing popularity of renewable energy sources are the other key factors driving the WtE market growth.

Global Industry Analysts (GIA) reports that WtE is now considered a viable solution that helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as solving space issues created by landfills. Governments at all levels across the globe have called for increased use of renewable energy, including waste-to-energy, in order to develop homegrown energy sources, establish energy independence, reduce pressure on landfills, dispose non-recyclable wastes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Waste management techniques such as WtE are especially gaining popularity in developed countries, which produce higher percentage of waste in comparison to developing nations.

Europe dominates the world Waste-to-Energy market. In an effort to reduce the use of landfills, the European Union is increasingly replacing the use of landfills by establishing WtE facilities. Traditionally, WtE sector was dominated by the public sector, however, the market scenario is changing with private sector also making large scale investments in the WtE sector. Waste diversion targets set by the Landfill Directive, rising oil prices, and ever increasing demand for power are the major growth drivers for the European WtE market.

Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growing market for WtE. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing the adoption of WtE technology as a sustainable alternative to landfills for dealing with problems associated with energy creation and waste disposal. WtE technology enables countries to earn carbon credits and conserve natural resources. Robust financial tools, capability development, better public awareness, privatization and stringent regulations are expected to help in the promotion of WtE technology in the region. Several Asian countries, including Taiwan and Japan, are leading users of WtE facilities.

The report Waste-to-Energy: A Global Strategic Business Report announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, product overview, technological overview, product introductions/innovations, and recent industry activity. The study analyzes market data and analytics in terms of revenues for regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World. Further, the global market is analyzed by the following technology types - Biological Waste-to-Energy and Thermal Waste-to-Energy.

 

Alaska Waste converting food grease into fuel

The Anchorage Daily News reports Alaska Waste unveiled a new $3 million biodiesel plant in South Anchorage Thursday. The plant is collecting waste fryer oil from 240 local restaurants, groceries, hotels and hospitals from Girdwood to Wasilla.

The plant began churning out its first batches of biodiesel last week. The fuel is being tested in the company's truck fleet,

Chief operating officer Jeff Riley said the company wants to reduce air pollution and keep grease out of the landfill.

Before the company began producing biodiesel, most of the grease goo produced in area was barged to the Lower 48 states to be converted for other uses, or was tossed into local trash bins and landfills.

Will Taygan, a Peters Creek resident who owns Arctic Vegeworks, said some biodiesel home brewers were initially worried that the supply of oil in town would be drained.

But he said the company "has targeted more large-scale waste-oil producers," and home brewers still have a more than adequate supply from smaller restaurants.

19th June 2010