Page 19 - Waste-to-Energy in the Danube Strategy Region. Challenges and Prospects

landfilling, this WtE technology is likely the least prospective and thus not a key focus in this report

(Kumar and Samadder 2017).
As is evident from the above discussion of WtE technologies, various solutions exist for

implementing WtE systems. What is also evident is that successful implementation depends on

other factors, including, but not limited to, the quantity and characteristics of the given waste

streams, presence of necessary infrastructure, desired energetic output, available financial

resources, and complementary waste management systems. These factors may vary according to
additional factors, such as geographic location, demographics, and level of economic

development. Effective implementation of WtE technologies thus requires a comprehensive

overview of all these related issues in order to ensure environmental and economic viability and
longevity.

1.4 Conclusion

Waste to energy is a topic that touches on several critical areas within the broader EU policy
context. Use of such technologies can play a role in waste management, energy transition, energy

security and the circular economy. Indeed, the future development of WtE will depend on

developments in those key areas and will need to take into consideration the inherent synergies.

The following chapter will address the specific challenges and opportunities facing WtE
projects in general. Thereafter the current situation in the countries of the Danube Strategy Region

will be presented, with particular focus on the prospects for WtE. A case study is then presented

to shed further light on this topic. Finally, an executive summary with recommendations concludes

the report.

Project co-funded by the European Union
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