Waste-to-energy (WtE) systems have long served as a viable solution for disposing of non-recyclable waste streams while recovering energy for electricity and district heating. However, the growing urgency of climate change calls for further innovation to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in these processes.

Integrating carbon capture (CC) technology into WtE plants offers a promising pathway to achieve this goal. By capturing and storing—or repurposing—carbon dioxide generated during the combustion of residual waste, WtE facilities can significantly reduce their net emissions. Beyond mitigating environmental impacts, this integrated approach strengthens the concept of a circular economy by transforming what would otherwise be a disposal challenge into a source of both energy and carbon-based resources.

Implementation of carbon capture within WtE plants involves several technical and operational considerations, such as selecting the most appropriate CC technology (e.g., post-combustion capture with amine-based solvents or emerging solid sorbent methods) and ensuring compatibility with existing plant infrastructure. Despite requiring additional investment, these modifications can yield substantial long-term environmental and economic benefits, including alignment with stringent emissions regulations and the potential sale of carbon credits. Moreover, integrating CC with WtE addresses the persistent challenge of managing non-recyclable waste by diverting it from landfills—where methane emissions exacerbate climate issues—while offering a low-carbon energy source. As governments, industry players, and technology providers collaborate to refine and scale these integrated systems, WtE with carbon capture stands poised to play a vital role in combating climate change and bolstering global resource efficiency.

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