Singapore currently operates four waste incineration plants, which process over 7,600 tons of waste daily. Remarkably, 90% of the waste burned is converted into electricity, making it a highly efficient system. The Tuas South Waste Incineration Plant, for example, can handle up to 3,000 tons of waste per day, and its power generation contributes about 2% to Singapore’s total electricity demand. In 2012, this facility generated revenue of S$100 million, showcasing the economic viability of such projects.
Compared to traditional methods like sanitary landfills, waste incineration is still in its early stages of development globally. However, Singapore’s approach has attracted attention due to its advanced technology and efficiency. Song Zhichen, a researcher at China Investment Advisor Energy Industry Co., Ltd., highlights that the power generation efficiency in Singapore’s waste-to-energy sector is impressive, offering significant economic returns. He suggests that countries worldwide could learn from Singapore’s model, as it demonstrates a comprehensive cycle: waste is produced, sorted, collected, transported, and then utilized effectively.
In China, the waste-to-energy industry is still in its infancy. It started late, developed slowly, and lacks a solid foundation. Many companies are small, scattered, and unorganized, leading to inefficiencies. Moreover, the industry's growth is largely driven by policy support, subsidies, and environmental regulations rather than market-driven economic incentives. Public awareness of waste-to-energy projects remains limited, making it challenging for private enterprises to get involved.
Most waste-to-energy projects in China are concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, especially first-tier cities where environmental regulations are strict. Despite this, these projects often face public resistance when located in urban areas. If placed near suburbs, they require well-developed transportation systems to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, China's waste sorting efforts have not been effective, leading to the need for re-sorting at power plants, which increases operational costs.
Guo Fanli, a manager at China Investment Consulting Industry Research Group, emphasizes that waste-to-energy projects offer social, environmental, and economic benefits, making them a crucial part of the energy sector. While there is no doubt about their long-term potential, China’s industry is still in the early stages of development. Once technical, equipment, and management challenges are resolved, the profitability of these projects will become more evident. Domestic companies are gradually showing more interest and investment in waste-to-energy initiatives, and during the "12th Five-Year Plan" period, more projects are expected to be launched.
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