Waste-to-energy (WTE) solutions, including the production of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), offer South Africa an opportunity to address its dual challenges of energy security and waste management, says local waste management company Interwaste group business development and marketing director Kate Stubbs.

She adds that the transformative potential of these solutions supports decarbonisation while promoting environmental sustainability.

According to Stubbs, RDF, made from non-recyclable waste, can replace coal in industrial processes, thereby reducing the reliance on fossil fuels while minimising the amount of waste sent to landfills.

By incorporating WTE innovations into its energy mix, South Africa can diversify its renewable-energy sources, maximise resource use, and lower methane emissions from decomposing landfill waste.

She further emphasises the economic, social and environmental advantages, which include supporting biodiversity, creating jobs and contributing to a circular economy.

However, she notes that the adoption of WTE projects in South Africa faces significant hurdles, including financial, regulatory, technical and social barriers that must be addressed.

She states that the financial costs are considerable, often requiring substantial initial investments. Consequently, ensuring the sustainability of these projects involves securing long-term agreements, consistent feedstock quality and competitive energy offtake arrangements.

Regulatory challenges further complicate implementation, as South Africa lacks specific policies supporting WTE solutions, and the process of obtaining permits and licences is often complex, costly and time-consuming.

Additionally, inconsistent waste management practices across municipalities also undermine efforts to maintain a steady supply of suitable waste for energy production.

Stubbs, therefore, calls for policy reforms that streamline these processes and introduce incentives, such as subsidies, feed-in tariffs and enhanced carbon pricing mechanisms, to support the financial feasibility of WTE initiatives.

Public perception presents another significant obstacle, with Stubbs noting that limited knowledge about WTE technologies leads to resistance from local communities.

Therefore, addressing misconceptions is crucial to paving the way for widespread adoption.

Stubbs believes WTE solutions can play a critical role in South Africa’s broader renewable-energy strategy as “WTE plants can operate 24/7, offering stable baseload power that complements variable renewable sources”.

She argues that, while WTE projects may be costlier than solar and wind energy, their broader benefits make them a valuable addition to the renewable-energy mix.