Report Overview

A rapidly growing demand for sustainable, clean, and energy-efficient solutions; rising consumer preference for sustainable and efficient waste to energy (WTE) conversion technologies, solutions, and methods; and an increasing focus on effectively managing high waste production are projected to propel the expansion of the India waste to energy (WTE) market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

India waste to energy (WTE) market size was estimated at USD 2.25 billion in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the size of India waste to energy (WTE) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.23% reaching a value of USD 3.01 billion by 2029. Major growth drivers for the India waste to energy (WTE) market include the rapidly growing population and urbanization. With this demographic expansion comes an alarming surge in waste generation, which poses a critical challenge to waste management systems. Consequently, there is a pressing need to adopt innovative solutions that not only address the mounting waste disposal issues but also cater to the escalating energy demands. In response to these challenges, the Government of India has introduced transformative initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India), which aims to promote cleanliness and effective waste management practices nationwide. Also, the government's policies actively promote renewable energy sources, providing a conducive environment for the growth of the waste to energy sector. This supportive policy framework has attracted private investments and facilitated the implementation of waste to energy projects across the country. In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, various advanced technologies are being employed in waste to energy conversion processes. These technologies encompass incineration, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas recovery, among others. By harnessing these innovative techniques, waste materials can be effectively transformed into electricity and heat, helping to bridge the energy demand-supply gap while ensuring proper waste management. Likewise, WTE technologies play a significant role in mitigating environmental impacts. Notably, the disposal of organic waste in conventional landfills generates substantial amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas known to contribute significantly to climate change. However, waste to energy facilities effectively reduce methane emissions, making them a vital component in India's broader strategy to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. Another critical aspect propelling the growth of the India waste to energy market is the country's pursuit of a circular economy. As India strives to maximize resource recovery from waste, waste to energy technologies emerge as a pivotal solution. These technologies enable the conversion of waste materials into valuable products, such as electricity, heat, and other valuable by-products. By closing the loop on waste, India can move closer to achieving its circular economy goals, where waste is treated as a resource rather than a burden.

India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market – Overview

India waste to energy (WTE) market refers to the sector within the country's energy and waste management industry that involves the conversion of various forms of waste into usable energy, typically in the form of electricity and heat. Waste to energy technologies offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to two critical challenges: waste disposal and energy generation. In this market, various types of waste materials, such as municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, agricultural residue, and biomass, are utilized as feedstock. These waste materials are processed using different conversion methods, including incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis, among others. The primary objective of the waste to energy market in India is twofold: first, to reduce the volume of waste going into landfills and thus alleviate the strain on existing landfill capacity, and second, to produce clean and renewable energy from the waste stream. By converting waste into energy, the waste to energy sector contributes to mitigating environmental impacts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable development. The waste to energy market in India is influenced by government policies, regulations, and incentives that encourage the adoption of these technologies. Various initiatives, such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and policies promoting renewable energy sources, have further fueled the growth of this market. As the country seeks to address its increasing waste management challenges and meet its growing energy demands in an eco-friendly manner, the waste to energy market plays a crucial role in creating a circular economy by transforming waste into valuable resources while contributing to India's sustainable development goals.

India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market

Growth Drivers

Emerging Consumer Preference for Effortless Waste to Energy Conversion Techniques

India's rapid urbanization has led to a significant rise in waste generation, with organic waste accounting for over 50% of the total waste generated. The country employs various waste management methods, including composting, incineration, and solid waste disposal, where solid waste disposal represents approximately 77% of all waste disposal approaches. However, the exponential growth of megacities and densely populated regions has created challenges in safe and ethical waste disposal, prompting a potential waste management crisis. While recycling, both formal and informal, is prevalent, it has led to environmental issues such as air and water pollution. To address these challenges, India has encouraged the waste to energy sector to expand, with the share of waste processed increasing from 17.97% in FY2016 to 73% in FY2022. Waste to energy (WTE) plants offer an effective and efficient solution by handling waste, reducing its volume, and simultaneously generating much-needed energy. As of March 2022, India boasts approximately 249 functional WTE plants, with an additional 44 under construction, highlighting the growing consumer preference for these innovative and sustainable waste to energy conversion techniques. This increasing inclination towards WTE solutions is expected to fuel significant growth in the waste to energy market, aligning with consumers' desire for efficient and user-friendly waste management options.

Restraints

Lack of Adequate Waste Segregation Infrastructure

The lack of adequate waste segregation poses significant constraints on the growth of waste to energy (WTE) in India. Proper waste segregation at the source is crucial for efficient WTE processes. When waste is not segregated effectively, it contains a mix of different materials, making it challenging to extract valuable resources and generate energy from it. Without proper segregation, the waste to energy plants must invest more time and resources in sorting and processing the mixed waste, leading to higher operational costs and reduced efficiency. Additionally, non-segregated waste can contain contaminants that may hinder the smooth operation of waste to energy technologies and potentially cause equipment damage. Moreover, inadequate waste segregation can result in a lower quality of feedstock for waste to energy facilities, leading to reduced energy generation and a less economically viable process. As a result, the growth of the Waste to energy sector in India is hindered due to the increased complexities and challenges associated with handling unsegregated waste streams. To overcome this restraint, efforts are required to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of waste segregation and its positive impact on waste to energy processes. Implementing effective waste segregation practices will not only enhance the efficiency of waste to energy facilities but also contribute to sustainable waste management and a cleaner environment.

Impact of COVID-19 on India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market

COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the India waste to energy market. While the initial lockdown measures and disruptions in supply chains caused a temporary setback, the pandemic also highlighted the importance of sustainable waste management. With increased awareness of environmental concerns, there was a growing interest in waste to energy solutions. Additionally, the government's focus on economic recovery and renewable energy initiatives provided opportunities for investments in the sector. However, financial constraints, project delays, and uncertainty hindered some developments. As the situation gradually improved, the market witnessed steady growth, driven by the need for resilient and sustainable waste management solutions.

India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market

Segmental Coverage

India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market – By Technology

By technology, the India Waste to energy (WTE) market is bifurcated into Thermal and Biological segments. The thermal segment holds a higher share in the India waste to energy (WTE) during the forecast period by technology due to its simpler process and cost-effectiveness. This segment comprises incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis, with incineration holding a significant share. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) is a controlled burning process within specialized facilities, aiming to reduce waste volume and mass while chemically rendering it inert through combustion without additional fuel (autothermic combustion). MSWI also allows the recovery of energy, minerals, and metals from the waste stream, making it a well-established and successful technology in commercial projects for treating municipal and industrial solid waste, while generating electricity in India.

India Waste to Energy (WTE) Market – By Region

Regionally, the India waste to energy (WTE) market is divided into North India, South India, East India, and West India.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the India waste to energy (WTE) market include A2Z Group, Ecogreen Energy Pvt Ltd, JITF Urban Infrastructure Limited, Abellon Clean Energy Ltd, Suez Group, Hitachi Zosen Inova, Rollz India Waste Management, GJ Eco Power Pvt Ltd, Veolia Environnement SA, and Hydroair Techtonics (PCD) Limited. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022 - The flagship Waste to Energy Recycling Plant, under the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), commenced its operations in Kapuluppada, Visakhapatnam. The plant currently generates approximately 9.90 MW of power daily using one boiler. As per the agreement between Jindal Group and GVMC, the recycling plant is projected to produce about 15 MW of electricity daily. To achieve this power generation target, GVMC aims to provide approximately 1,200 tons of waste daily. Additionally, the corporation is considering transporting 260 tons of garbage from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Nellimarla municipalities to support the waste supply for the plant.

Scope of the Report

By Technology

• Thermal

• Biological

By Region

• North India

• South India

• East India

• West India