Waste-to-energy (WtE) technology plays an important role in addressing waste management challenges and ensuring energy sustainability. Methods such as gasification, incineration, and anaerobic digestion (AD) are used to convert waste into energy, heat, and resources, thereby improving environmental and economic efficiency. These technologies offer solutions for urban areas by balancing economic, ecological, and productivity aspects.
For developing countries, anaerobic digestion (AD) is considered a suitable WtE method due to the high proportion of organic waste. The integration of WtE systems with appropriate waste treatment technologies can generate renewable energy and support sustainable waste management, in line with global sustainable development goals. By understanding these principles and operational frameworks, readers can gain fundamental insights into environmental impacts, opportunities, and challenges associated with WtE solutions, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
The increasing demand for WtE technology is driven by its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate renewable energy, and manage waste sustainably. The global WtE market is projected to grow significantly due to rising waste generation, stricter landfill regulations, and the growing need for sustainable energy solutions. WtE processes, including incineration and gasification, provide a means to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into energy sources such as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), thereby supporting circular economy practices and sustainable waste management.
Countries such as Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, and Germany have successfully reduced or even eliminated landfill practices by utilizing WtE power plants to process post-recycling MSW. This highlights the importance and effectiveness of WtE technology in waste management and energy sustainability. Indonesia has significant potential for the development and implementation of WtE technology in the future. As one of the most populous countries in the world, Indonesia generates increasing amounts of municipal solid waste each year, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. The composition of waste in Indonesia, which is dominated by organic waste (more than 50%), makes technologies such as anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas production highly relevant for widespread implementation.
In addition, Indonesia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, as well as its energy transition agenda toward net-zero emissions by 2060, further reinforces the urgency of WtE implementation. The utilization of waste as an alternative energy source can reduce dependence on fossil fuels while simultaneously decreasing the volume of waste disposed of in landfills, which remain the primary waste management method in Indonesia.
From a regulatory perspective, the Indonesian government has issued various policies to accelerate the development of waste-based power plants in several major cities. These policy supports, when accompanied by increased investment, technology transfer, and strengthened human resource capacity, have the potential to drive the development of a more integrated WtE ecosystem.
Moving forward, the integration of WtE systems with circular economy approaches, strengthening waste segregation at the source, and collaboration between government, the private sector, and society will be key factors in the successful implementation of WtE in Indonesia. With appropriate strategies, WtE can serve not only as a waste management solution but also as a contributor to national energy resilience and sustainable development.
WtE technology offers a promising solution for sustainable waste management and energy production, addressing the growing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly methods. Continuous research and development are essential to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact of WtE technologies. These technologies not only assist in managing post-recycling municipal solid waste but also contribute to energy recovery and material reuse, in line with the global shift toward net-zero emissions and circular economy principles.
By utilizing the ability of microorganisms to decompose organic waste and produce clean energy, such as bioethanol, WtE technology provides dual benefits in waste management and energy production. This underscores the importance of continuous innovation and exploration of such methods for a more sustainable future.
Author
Prof. Dr. Purkan, S.Si., M.Si.
Scientific Article Reference
Rajakumar, M. S., Purkan, P., Thangaraj, M., Priya, G., & Kumar, A. (2025). Waste-to-energy technologies: Principles, processes, and efficiency. Elsevier. Edited by Yves Gagnon, Université de Moncton, Canada.
Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1njPzfpWbf_EUzuKfO4JNZV6eL1EzlPnA/view?usp=sharing
Website Source
Universitas Airlangga. (2025). Transformation of solid waste into energy.
Available at: https://unair.ac.id/transfromasi-limbah-padat-menjadi-energi/
