Special Report

INTRODUCTION
Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to an unprecedented increase in waste generation. The region’s urban population is expected to reach nearly 400 million by 2030, straining existing waste management systems. Landfills remain the dominant method of waste disposal, but with limited land availability and growing environmental concerns, they are no longer a sustainable solution. Simultaneously, the demand for electricity is set to double by 2040, creating an urgent need for alternative energy sources.
Waste-to-energy (WtE) technology, which converts waste into electricity, is emerging as a viable solution to tackle both waste management and energy security challenges. Many Southeast Asian nations are investing in WtE projects to reduce landfill dependence, generate renewable energy, and promote environmental sustainability.
This feature explores how countries across the region are embracing WtE technology, the progress they have made, and the challenges they face.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
The Bicycle Utopia
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is also one of its biggest waste producers. The country generates approximately 175,000 tonnes of waste daily, with much of it ending up in landfills. Recognizing the need for an alternative, Indonesia has initiated multiple WtE projects.
A significant milestone was the Bantargebang WtE facility in Jakarta, launched in 2017 and operational by 2019. The plant processes 100 tonnes of waste daily, generating 700 kWh of electricity. Another major development is the Sunter WtE plant in Jakarta, which, once completed, will process 2,200 tonnes per day (tpd). The government is also working on 12 additional WtE plants in major cities like Surabaya and Bekasi, expected to generate 234 MW of electricity using 16,000 tpd of waste.

MALAYSIA:
Entering the WtE Market
Malaysia’s waste management system has long relied on landfills, but WtE is gradually gaining attention. The country’s first WtE facility, located in Tanah Merah, Negeri Sembilan, is expected to process 1,000 tpd and generate 20-25 MW of power, enough to supply 25,000 households.
Another significant project is the Jeram WtE plant in Selangor, which will be one of the largest incinerators in the country once completed in 2022. Additional WtE plants are planned in Johor, Kedah, and Melaka, signaling Malaysia’s growing commitment to sustainable waste management.

MALAYSIA:
Entering the WtE Market
Another significant project is the Jeram WtE plant in Selangor, which will be one of the largest incinerators in the country once completed in 2022. Additional WtE plants are planned in Johor, Kedah, and Melaka, signaling Malaysia’s growing commitment to sustainable waste management.

SINGAPORE:
A Pioneer in WtE Innovation
Singapore has been at the forefront of WtE development since 1979 when it opened the Ulu Pandan incineration plant. Today, the country operates four major WtE facilities-Tuas, Senoko, Tuas South, and Keppel Seghers Tuas Plant (KSTP)-collectively generating 259 MW of electricity daily.
Tuas South is the largest, handling 3,000 tpd of solid waste. Singapore is also constructing two new WtE facilities: the Tuasone plant (3,600 tpd), set for completion in 2021, and the Integrated Waste Management Facility, with a massive 5,800 tpd capacity. The government continues to invest in WtE as a key pillar of its sustainable waste strategy.

THAILAND:
Expanding WtE Capacity
Thailand currently disposes of nearly 50% of its waste in landfills, but WtE is gaining traction. The government has introduced incentives, including subsidies and tax breaks, to encourage the adoption of incineration, gasification, and fermentation technologies.
A key move was increasing the power purchase quota for WtE projects under the Power Development Plan 2018-2037 from 500 MW to 900 MW. As of now, Thailand has 33 operational WtE plants with a combined power generation capacity of 283 MW, and more are expected to come online.

MYANMAR:
A New Entrant in the WTE Sector
Myanmar took its first step into WtE in 2017 with the opening of a 760 kW plant in Yangon, capable of treating 60 tpd of waste. A second WtE project is under development at the Htein Pin landfill, expected to process 1,000 tonnes of waste daily. This plant will produce 30 tonnes of compressed natural gas, 40 tonnes of liquefied carbon dioxide, 180 tonnes of derivative waste fuel, and 250 tonnes of compost, demonstrating the potential of WtE beyond electricity generation.

THE PHILIPPINES: Scaling Up WtE Efforts
The Philippines established its first WtE plant in 2018 in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The facility generates 3 MW of power, with 1 MW used for its own operations. More projects are in the pipeline, including a facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, which will use 110 tpd of waste to generate 5.5 MW of electricity.
Another major plant worth PhP 2.5 billion is being developed in Davao City’s Tugbok district. The facility will process 600 tpd and is expected to be operational by 2021, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to WtE solutions.

VIETNAM:
Unlocking WtE Potential
Vietnam currently sends more than 70% of its waste to landfills, but WtE is increasingly seen as a solution. Experts estimate that with sufficient WtE infrastructure, the country could generate around 6 billion kWh of electricity from waste by 2050.
Existing WtE plants include the Nam Son facility in Hanoi, which generates 1.93 MW, and the Go Cat waste-handling project in Ho Chi Minh City, producing 2.4 MW. Moving forward, Vietnam plans to expand its WtE capacity significantly in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta region.

CHALLENGES IN WtE Implementation
Despite the promise of WtE technology, several challenges hinder its full-scale adoption in Southeast Asia:

• Lack of Coordination: Many countries face difficulties coordinating waste collection, sorting, transportation, which affects plant efficiency.
• Improper Waste Sorting: A significant issue in the region is the lack of proper waste segregation, making it harder for WtE plants to function effectively.
• Environmental Concerns: Incineration releases pollutants, including dioxins and ash, raising concerns about air quality and public health. Protests from local communities often delay or halt projects.
• Financial Barriers: WtE projects require substantial investment, and funding remains a challenge for many governments. Private sector participation is crucial for scaling up these initiatives.

DHAKA’S WASTE-TO-ENERGY INITIATIVE:
A Sustainable Solution for Urban Waste Management
As one of the most densely populated and rapidly growing cities in the world, Dhaka faces significant waste management challenges. With limited landfill space and increasing environmental pollution from open-air garbage disposal, the city is turning to waste-to-energy (WtE) as a sustainable solution. The Dhaka Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Project, spearheaded by the WtE Power Plant North Dhaka Private Limited, is a landmark initiative aimed at addressing these critical issues. Approved in December 2023, the $481.3 million project is supported by a $100 million financing from the New Development Bank (NDB).
The project involves the construction of a 3,000-ton-per-day waste incineration facility, featuring four incineration lines of 750 tons per day each and two 35 MW turbo-generator systems. Additionally, a 6-km transmission line will connect the facility to the state-owned power grid, ensuring efficient electricity distribution. This initiative is not just about managing waste; it aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term power sector master plan, which aims to generate 10% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2041.
By converting municipal solid waste into electricity, the Dhaka WtE project will significantly reduce air, water, and land pollution, while also contributing to energy security and sustainability. With China Machine Engineering Corporation leading the project’s construction, the facility is expected to become a model for other cities in Bangladesh, paving the way for a cleaner and greener urban future.

THE ROAD AHEAD Sustainable WtE Strategies
To maximize the benefits of WtE technology while addressing its challenges, Southeast Asian countries must take the following steps:

• Improve Waste Sorting Infrastructure: Governments need to enforce strict waste segregation policies and invest in modern sorting facilities to enhance plant efficiency.
• Adopt Advanced WtE Technologies: Moving beyond traditional incineration to cleaner methods such as gasification and anaerobic digestion will reduce environmental impact.
• Enhance Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging collaboration between governments and private companies can accelerate WtE project development.
• Strengthen Environmental Regulations: Establishing stringent emission standards and monitoring systems will help mitigate pollution concerns.

CONCLUSION
Waste-to-energy technology is becoming a crucial part of Southeast Asia’s urban infrastructure, helping nations tackle their growing waste crisis while generating much-needed electricity. Countries like Singapore and Thailand have made significant progress, while others, including Myanmar and Vietnam, are just beginning their WtE journey.
Despite the challenges, the potential of WtE in Southeast Asia remains immense. With better waste management practices, improved coordination, and sustainable technology adoption, the region can transform its trash into a valuable energy resource, paving the way for a cleaner and more energy-secure future.