THE NOT-SO-WASTEFUL ROLE OF THE WTE MARKET
a decade later , these nations invested billions to equip WTE incinerators with pollution control mechanisms . Today , modern WTE plants emit minimal byproducts while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions . The U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) reports that WTE-derived electricity produces fewer emissions than nearly any other electricity generation method .
Market Trends and Outlook The WTE industry showed significant global growth in the past decade , increasing roughly 5 percent per year beginning in 2008 . Limited landfill space , increasing demand , population growth , and energy concerns , and environmental awareness all contribute to this growth . Global environmental policies have also encouraged WTE growth , particularly on the European
As global awareness spreads and WTE technology enters developing markets , we can begin to see real environmental change ’ front . In conjunction with green energy initiatives , WTE remains one of the foremost strategies in minimizing waste and carbon emissions .
The most promising area for WTE – and also the most challenging – is the Asia-Pacific . Rapid economic growth and an ever-improving standard of living have caused MSW generation rates to skyrocket in China and India . Many Asian nations rely heavily on coal for energy production . Compared to other fuel sources , coal combustion releases the highest amounts of carbon emissions . As such , WTE development in these regions can significantly reduce pollutants and pave the way for other clean alternative energy solutions .
WTE growth in Europe continues to grow rapidly , with policymakers encouraging new and improved WTE initiatives . The freedom in this market allows new companies to enter , control prices , encourage innovation and bypass limitations of monopolized energy production .
As global awareness spreads and WTE technology enters developing markets , we can begin to see real environmental change . Companies , organizations , and citizens can all play a role in spreading the word .
19