Page 7 - Waste-to-Energy in the Danube Strategy Region. Challenges and Prospects

1. Introduction

This report presents the current state and main challenges for the development of the waste-to-

energy (WtE) industry in the countries of the Danube Strategy Region (DSR). In general, waste-to-

energy systems constitute a broad range of technologies for converting various types of waste

either directly into electricity and/or heat or into a fuel for subsequent use. These technologies,
furthermore, are dependent on complementary systems and services, in particular waste

management. WtE is thus a complex topic overlapping with other prominent issues within the

broader European context, such as renewable energy, sustainability, resource security, and the

circular economy.
In order to present such a complex topic, the report is divided into five chapters each with

increasing specificity. First, a general overview of WtE technologies and associated systems is

provided. A cursory look at relevant EU legislation and statistics is also presented for context. Next,

the main challenges facing the development of WtE projects are detailed based on a literature
review. Such challenges fall into five categories: political/legislative, economic, infrastructural,

technological/environmental and social. An overview of the situation in the DSR countries is then

presented to shed light on how these countries approach WtE and waste management. In order
to identify best practices, a case study of a selected successful project is then presented. Finally,

the report concludes with an executive summary and recommendations.

Project co-funded by the European Union
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