Waste-to-Energy in the Circular Economy Transition and Development of Resource-Efficient Business Models

Dzintra Atstaja (Corresponding Author), Natalija Cudecka-Purina, Viktor Koval, Jekaterina Kuzmina, Janis Butkevics, Hanna Hrinchenko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The consistent rise of the per capita waste generation rate has led to an escalation of waste quantities and the need to expand waste disposal methods. Efforts to develop clean and affordable energy systems are increasingly linked to waste-to-energy as part of the transition to a circular economy (CE). A resource-efficient waste-to-energy business model within a CE offers a variety of environmentally friendly waste management options based on their overall environmental impacts but also makes efficient use of available resources and technologies to convert different types of waste into energy, which helps reduce the adverse effects on the environment and create additional energy sources. This research aims to identify innovative waste management solutions to foster the implementation of CE and a more resource-efficient business model. The research methodology is based on qualitative and quantitative research, triangulation, material flow assessment, and systems dynamics. The value of this study is within the analysis of existing waste-to-energy plant case studies to identify a set of recommendations and appropriate business models for the countries that are at an early stage of evaluation of such facilities. This study found that waste-to-energy plants are critical to achieving the EU’s waste disposal targets by 2035. The findings highlight the importance of supporting mechanisms in the waste sector, such as structural funds, as the industry primarily focuses on societal health and safety and environmental protection, alongside resource efficiency and circularity potential.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4188
JournalEnergies
Volume17
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords*

  • business models
  • circular economy
  • sustainable development goals
  • waste to energy

Field of Science*

  • 5.2 Economy and Business

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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