Page 20 - Waste-to-Energy in the Danube Strategy Region. Challenges and Prospects

2. Drivers & Barriers to WtE Development

Despite its advantages, WtE technology is not widespread throughout the DSR. The aim of this

chapter is to answer the following question: What explains the shortcomings in the more rapid

dissemination of WtE technologies in the states of the Danube region? To do so, the following

text will analyse the political/legislative, economic, infrastructural, technical/environmental and
social barriers restraining the development and dissemination of WtE technologies in the region.

The key contribution of the chapter is to identify the main challenges and obstacles that

these new technologies face. Addressing these issues within the analysed countries may

contribute to their energy, environmental and waste-management needs. Wider use of WtE
technologies also can create several opportunities untapped in this region – such as local job

creation, a healthier environment and land savings. For EU Member States and candidate

countries, WtE can also help to fulfil European ecological obligations, such as the binding landfill

target to reduce landfilling to a maximum of 10% of municipal waste by 2035 (EC 2017b, 2018c).

Project co-funded by the European Union
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