The Europe waste to energy market size market was valued at approximately USD 13.88 billion in 2022 and is expected to experience robust growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% projected from 2023 through 2030. This significant expansion is primarily driven by increasing concerns over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the introduction of stringent European Union regulations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint across industries. Heightened environmental awareness and the urgent need to address climate change have prompted many countries worldwide, including those in Europe, to adopt waste-to-energy technologies as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources.

According to data from the EU - Central Asia Cooperation on Water Environment and Climate Change, the proportion of waste being disposed of within the EU has risen substantially, increasing from just over 16% in 2000 to 27% in 2020. This growing trend of waste disposal within Europe is expected to serve as a key catalyst for the expansion of the European waste-to-energy market during the forecast period, as the region seeks more efficient and environmentally friendly methods to manage its waste.

Furthermore, geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict have caused natural gas prices to surge sharply in the region. This increase in energy costs has motivated governments to explore alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. In support of this, favorable regulatory measures have been introduced, including the implementation of a windfall tax in November 2022. This tax imposes an additional 45% levy on energy generators, specifically targeting electricity produced by anaerobic digestion plants and waste-to-energy facilities. Such policies are designed to encourage investment and expansion in waste-to-energy technologies, thereby boosting the growth of the market in Europe.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• In 2022, Germany emerged as a leading country within the European waste-to-energy market, contributing significantly by accounting for 24.21% of the total revenue market share. This substantial share reflects Germany’s strong commitment to waste management, renewable energy adoption, and stringent environmental policies that promote the use of waste-to-energy technologies.

• When examining the European waste-to-energy market from a technological perspective, it is broadly categorized into two main segments: biological and thermal technologies. The biological segment involves processes such as anaerobic digestion and other biochemical methods that convert organic waste into energy, whereas the thermal segment includes technologies like incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis that use heat to generate energy from waste materials. Both technology types play crucial roles in the region’s overall waste-to-energy strategy, catering to different types of waste streams and energy requirements.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2022 Market Size: USD 13.88 Billion

• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 41.75 Billion

• CAGR (2023-2030): 14.4%

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

The market remains highly competitive due to the active involvement of key players who are continuously engaging in various business expansion strategies. These strategies often involve forming collaborations and partnerships that span across different segments of the value chain, enabling companies to strengthen their market position and enhance their technological capabilities. For example, in April 2023, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG, a prominent player in the waste-to-energy sector, announced the development of a significant waste-to-energy project in Moscow, Russia. This project is designed to have a substantial energy generation capacity of 75 megawatts (MW). The construction and development efforts are progressing with the expectation that the project will be fully commissioned within the same year, 2023. Such initiatives reflect the dynamic nature of the market and highlight the emphasis companies place on expanding their footprint and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Key Players

• EEW Energy from Waste

• Hitachi Zosen Inova AG

• Martin GmbH

• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd

• Ramboll Group A/S

• STEAG energy services Gmbh

• SUEZ

• Tana Oy

• Veolia

• Wheelabrator Technologies

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Conclusion:

The Europe waste-to-energy market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing environmental concerns and the implementation of stringent regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The rising share of waste disposal within the European Union is expected to further propel the adoption of waste-to-energy technologies. Additionally, geopolitical events have led to higher natural gas prices, prompting governments to explore alternative energy sources. Favorable regulations, such as the windfall tax, support the expansion of waste-to-energy facilities, contributing to the market's growth in the region.