Waste-to-energy technology

What are Waste-To-Energy Technologies?

Global production, including garments, energy, fuel, food, and others, leaves a lot of waste behind. That is where WtE steps in, eliminating it while providing us with more eco-friendly power.

Waste-to-energy (WtE): Definition

Waste-to-energy technology (WtE) is a process of utilising different types of waste to receive energy. Typically, electricity or heat are the result. WtE is a huge part of decarbonisation and sustainable energy production, as it helps both minimise the rubbish in landfills and use an alternative power source.

Development of the Term

Gasification and pyrolysis have been known and used for centuries, these processes decompose organic materials thermochemically and produce syngas. Then, it can be turned into methane, methanol, ethanol, or synthetic fuels. All of these are used in transportation.

The most common waste-to-energy technologies include direct combustion. As waste goes through the process, it produces heat. Thanks to steam turbines, we can receive electricity. Incinerators are used for direct combustion. The first incinerators built were in:

• Nottingham, UK, in 1874;
• New York, US, in 1885;
• Frederiksberg, Denmark, in 1903;
• Brno, Czech Republic, in 1905.

Waste into energy technology is an outstanding example of circular economy principles, where regular trash usually thrown out can be repurposed into valuable resources. However, the term continuously goes through changes.

For instance, we still have to minimise emissions from plans and manage the environmental impact of WtE. As technology advances, it can help us on the way to the clean energy transition and global sustainability.

DTEK's Role in Advancing Waste-to-Energy Solutions

DTEK plays a major role in waste-to-energy conversion technologies in Ukraine. DTEK Grids, its distribution system operator, has already adopted this waste management strategy.

In 2023, 3,500 tons of DTEK Grids DSO waste got a second life. This includes construction materials, used tyres, wastepaper, glass, and office equipment. Despite the war, the company adheres to global environmental standards and applies them to its processes where possible.