Waste to Energy Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Technology (Thermal and Biological), Application, Waste Type, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forecast, 2025–2034

The global waste to energy market size is expected to reach USD 92.42 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “Waste to Energy Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Technology (Thermal and Biological), Application, Waste Type, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

Waste to energy technologies convert various types of waste, including municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, and agricultural residues, into usable forms of energy such as electricity, heat, and biofuels. The primary methods employed in WTE processes include thermochemical and biochemical technologies. Thermochemical processes, which encompass incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis, dominate the market due to their efficiency in converting waste into energy while significantly reducing its volume by as much as 90% in some cases. Biochemical methods, particularly anaerobic digestion, are gaining applicability as well, especially for organic waste materials that can be converted into biogas.

The increasing global population and urbanization are driving the demand for energy, which is anticipated to propel the waste to energy market revenue. Waste-to-energy facilities provide an effective solution to generate energy as well as divert waste from landfills. This dual benefit aligns with global sustainability goals and helps mitigate environmental impacts associated with traditional waste disposal methods.

Government initiatives and policies are also propelling the waste to energy market expansion. Many countries are implementing stringent regulations on waste disposal and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources. Subsidies, tax incentives, and other financial funding are being provided to promote investment in WTE infrastructure. For instance, the European Union has set ambitious recycling and waste reduction targets under its Circular Economy Action Plan, supporting the regional WTE market. Similarly, developing nations, particularly in Asia and Africa, are investing in WTE projects to manage waste challenges and meet energy deficits.

Waste to Energy Market Report Highlights

In terms of waste type, the municipal solid waste segment held the largest waste to energy market share in 2024 due to the rapid increase in urban population and consumption patterns, particularly in developing and densely populated countries.

Based on application, the energy generation segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024 due to the growing global demand for renewable and reliable energy sources.

In the global market, Europe dominated the global waste to energy market share in 2024, driven by its advanced waste management infrastructure and stringent environmental policies.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing waste generation in densely populated countries such as China and India.

Some of the global key market players are Hitachi Zosen Inova AG; Suez; Covanta Holding Corporation; China Everbright International Limited; Veolia; Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC; Ramboll Group A/S; Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.; Wheelabrator Technologies Inc.; and Xcel Energy Inc

Polaris Market Research has segmented the waste to energy market report on the basis of technology, application, waste type, and region:

By Technology Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Thermal

• Incineration
• Pyrolysis
• Gasification

Biological

• Anaerobic Digestion

By Application Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Electricity Generation

Heat Production

Fuel Production

By Waste Type Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Municipal Solid Waste

Industrial Waste

Agricultural Waste

By Regional Outlook (Revenue – USD Billion, 2020–2034)

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• UK
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Russia
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Malaysia
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Australia
• Vietnam
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America