India Waste to Energy Market Assessment, By Waste Type [Municipal Waste, Agriculture Waste, Others], By Technology [Direct Combustion, Mechanical and Thermal, Thermo-Chemical, Biomechanical], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

India Waste to Energy market is expected to observe a CAGR of 6.16% during the forecast period FY2025- FY2032, rising from USD 3.06 billion in FY2024 to USD 4.94 billion in FY2032. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years.

Waste to energy (WTE) technology has become important in India's waste management strategy. Technology offers two primary advantages: generating clean electricity and providing environmentally friendly disposal and management of waste, which drives its demand in the country. Additionally, the Indian government is focusing on advancing WTE technologies as part of its strategy to promote renewable energy, thereby fostering market growth.

For instance, in October 2024, the MNRE stated that India's overall energy generation potential from waste is around 5690 MW. In this total capacity, the energy generation potential was at its peak for urban wastes, with a value of 1247 MW (covering 21.91% of the total energy generated), followed by cattle farm wastes (862 MW, at 15.14%), distillery wastes (781 MW at 13.72%), raw vegetables (579 MW at 10.17%), etc.

Adoption of Biomethanation Technology is Augmenting the Market Growth

The demand for biomethanation technologies for waste to energy conversion is increasing at an exponential rate within the country. Due to its several environmental benefits and a massive potential towards sustainable energy, the demand for biomethanation technology is rising exponentially in India. The Indian government is strongly focusing on the introduction of biomethanation projects. Besides that, the projects play a major contribution towards lowering the toxic gas emissions that are present in the air as well as reducing pungent stenches during the production process of renewable energy from wastes, which drives its adoption in the market.

For instance, in August 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced that India is strongly focusing on the development of Biomethanation projects for efficient waste to energy (WTE) conversion. MNRE also added that new Biomethanation plants of various capacities (33,000 kg/day in Punjab, 20,000 kg/day in Maharashtra, 10,200 kg/day in Karnataka, etc.) have been installed across the country within the fiscal years 2022 to 2024. These plants are going to enhance the biomethanation process even more in India and thus will contribute greatly to meet the sustainability targets for the country.

Rise in the Number of Waste to Energy Projects is Amplifying the Market Expedition

India is strongly focusing on investing in waste to energy projects, complementing its idea of sustainability. This waste will help the country meet its objectives of increasing the growth of renewable energy while minimizing landfills and greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing waste-to-energy solutions will boost the economy and stabilize growth in the country. This transition not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters technological advancements in the renewable sector and, at the same time, positions India as a leader in sustainable energy development while supporting its broader economic objectives.

For instance, in August 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is building a waste to energy project with a capacity of converting 600 tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid wastes into electricity. Funded under the Grant for Solid Waste Management in the 15th Finance Commission, it will generate a total electricity of around 7 megawatt (MW). Moreover, the overall cost of the project stood at USD 59.92 million. This clearly highlights BMC's commitment to mitigate the problems related to waste management in Mumbai thereby contributing to renewable energy generation.

Increase in Need for Pyrolysis Technology in Waste to Energy Conversion is Fueling the Market Growth

The importance of pyrolysis technology in waste-to-energy conversion in India lies in its ability to overcome significant challenges in waste management. This approach reduces reliance on traditional waste disposal methods, which mostly cause pollution. Moreover, the technology promotes decentralized waste management, thereby proving to be a sustainable alternative that reduces the environmental impact. Additionally, the technology supports carbon neutrality and has diversified applications in agriculture, energy production, and environmental conservation, thereby promoting a circular economy and expediting market growth.

For instance, in August 2024, the Indian government announced that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has developed a microwave pyrolysis reactor with the use of solar energy for sustainable waste to energy conversion. The microwave-assisted pyrolysis can extract valuable resources from segregated or mixed waste comprising of plastics and then rapidly transforms these wastes into renewable energy. The technology is entirely solar-powered, carbon neutral and promotes decentralized waste management with substantial environmental benefits, thus expediting the market growth.

Western and Central India Emerges as the Market Leader

The western and central region of India is leading the market share significantly and is expected to continue to do so in the upcoming years due to the presence of states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The major factors influencing the growth of WTE facilities in the region include high generation of waste in urban areas and an effective industrial base that is able to convert these wastes into electrical energy. Furthermore, the region is facilitated by encouraging government policies and schemes supporting the development of renewable energy at a national level. This makes the western region a leader in advancing sustainable waste management solutions in India through a combination of urbanization, industrial capability, and favorable policies, thereby facilitating market growth.

For instance, in November 2024, the Indian government inaugurated the largest waste to energy plant in Gujarat worth USD 44.58 million at Piplaj, Ahmedabad. This project is in collaboration between the Government of Gujarat and the Jindal Urban Waste Management Company. This facility can produce 15 megawatts (MW) of power from 1 thousand metric tonnes of solid waste per day. It not only guarantees a green future for the city of Ahmedabad but also stands as one of the country's assets for proficient waste management.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032)

The future market scenario for WTE in India appears promising, driven by the country's escalating waste generation and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.

Moreover, the Indian government is spending a hefty amount towards the development of WTE technology across the country via research and development (R&D) activities which, in turn will cater to ample opportunities for market growth in the upcoming years.

Pyrolysis technology will be the prime opportunity in waste to energy management for India, as most forms of waste can be easily converted into clean energy via this procedure. With greater urbanization and waste production, the utilization of pyrolysis can lead to more energy security and less landfills. This, in turn will make WTE a pivotal solution for sustainable development across the country.

Incineration is an integral part of India's waste to energy strategy, converting municipal solid waste into electricity through high-temperature combustion. The process not only reduces the volume of waste but also generates renewable energy, addressing environmental concerns amid increasing levels of waste due to urbanization and industrialization, thereby catering to ample opportunities for the market in the future.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The market players are continuously competing against each other to gain a significant edge. Moreover, due to the availability of adequate agricultural and municipal wastes along with the support of the government, the Indian companies are investing heavily in the advancements of technologies for WTE plants and promoting strategic collaborations for efficient operations and cost-reduction.

For example, in May 2024, Abellon CleanEnergy Limited announced to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for setting up of its 14.9 MW Waste to Energy (WTE) Plant in Rajkot, Gujarat. The ESIA aims to evaluate potential environmental and social impacts, thereby ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, the ESIA also focuses on stakeholder engagement and mitigation strategies to enhance positive outcomes and address community concerns related to the project's implementation.