$29BN INDUSTRY In 2011, the world generated an es

$29BN INDUSTRY

In 2011, the world generated an estimated 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste (MSW).  Over the next decade this number will grow much higher, increasing global demand for solutions that convert waste into heat and electricity, a family of processes known as waste-to-energy (WTE).  WTE encompasses thermal and biological conversion technologies that unlock the usable energy stored in solid waste.  High upfront capital costs and attractive economics for landfilling, however, represent persistent barriers to widespread adoption.  Although more than 800 thermal WTE plants currently operate in nearly 40 countries around the globe, these facilities treated just 11% of MSW generated worldwide in 2011 compared to the 70% that was landfilled.  According to a new report from Pike Research , this number is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.  Waste-to-energy systems will treat at least 261 million tons of waste annually by 2022, with a total estimated output of 283 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity and heat generation, up from 221 TWh in 2010.  Under a more optimistic scenario, WTE will potentially treat 396 million tons of MSW a year, producing 429 TWh of power.