Waste to Energy Projects in India | Current Affairs (2024)

FAQs

What is the status of waste to energy plants in India? ›

Status of for waste to energy - The first waste-to-energy plant was set up in Timarpur in Delhi in 1987. A total of 14 waste-to-energy plants have been installed in India, out of which seven plants were closed. Total quantity of solid waste generated in the country was 1,50,761 tonnes per day in 2019-'20.

According to CPCB report, only ~50% of total solid waste generated in the country is treated. The processing of solid waste in India has improved significantly, from 19% in 2015-16 to ~50% in 2020-21. In the corresponding period, the proportion of solid waste landfilled has fallen from 54% to 18.4%.

The number of incineration plants and waste-to-energy facilities has expanded in India. According to a research report by Mordor Intelligence, the Indian waste-to-energy market is estimated at US$ 1.1 billion in 2023. It is expected to rise at a CAGR of more than 2.56% during the forecast period.

Building a WtE plant in a specific location is challenging without ensuring enough waste. As many municipalities do not have proper waste treatment plants, factories are disposing of their waste in the rivers, canals, and other water resources, which causes a shortage of waste to utilize and creates pollution.

India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity & 5th in Solar Power capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2023 Global Status Report).The country has set an enhanced target at the COP26 of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.

Why do such projects often fail? Waste-to-energy projects often fail because of improper assessments, high expectations, improper characterisation studies, and other on-ground conditions.

What is the Biggest Problem with Waste Management? The biggest problem with waste in India is the inadequate waste collection infrastructure and lack of efficient sorting and recycling systems. Due to these shortcomings, valuable materials end up in landfills instead of being recycled.

Plastic waste is a significant component of MSW due to its widespread use in consumer products, packaging, and various industries. With a total output of nearly 3.5 million metric tons annually, plastic waste generation in India has grown as a significant environmental concern in recent years.

The government of India has undertaken multiple large-scale national initiatives such as 'Swachh Bharat Mission, 'National Water Mission' and 'Waste to Wealth Mission” as a part of its commitment to effective waste & pollution management in India.

Reports suggest that up to 20-30% of electricity consumption in a typical Indian home may be going to waste.

What is the size of India waste to energy market? ›

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.

India has one of the highest levels of electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in the world. T&D losses usually range 6% to 8% in developed countries. In India, almost 20% of energy is lost due to T&D, with centralization and theft being the main factors behind the numbers.

The Waste to Energy Project in Nashik is one such solution through co-processing of septage (faecal sludge) with organic solid waste and generating energy to create a sustainable business model.

Government Initiatives in E-waste management in India

India's government has taken several initiatives to address the issue of e-waste management across the country. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has launched a project called 'Gandhian E-Waste Management System.

Solid Waste Management Rules

Waste segregation at source is mandatory. Households are required to separate waste into three streams – Organic or biodegradable waste, dry waste (such as plastic, paper, metal, and wood), and domestic hazardous waste (diapers, napkins, mosquito repellents, cleaning agents).

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.

E-waste generation escalated from 700,000 tonnes in 2017-18 to 1.6 million tonnes by 2021-22. The trend is expected to continue, projecting nearly 14 million tonnes of e-waste by 2030. In light of the dire consequences threatened by e-waste generation, e-waste management has assumed much importance.

The current availability of biomass in India is estimated at about 750 MMT per annum and surplus biomass availability at about 230 MMT per annum. The installed capacity for biomass production in India has grown at a CAGR of 4 per cent reaching 10 GW in FY22.