WtE plants with energy recovery as part of Europe’s energy sustainability

The relevance of this study is determined by the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve long-term performance of municipal energy systems. This article analyzes trends in municipal solid waste (MSW) management in European countries during 2019–2024 and examines the role of residual MSW as an alternative local fuel. Statistical and comparative analysis methods were applied using data from Eurostat and organisation for economic cooperation and development (OECD). It highlights the impact of recent political and socio-economic crises on the pressing need for reduction in fossil fuel share in energy supply using renewable and alternative – including local – energy sources. The effectiveness of waste-to-energy (WtE) plants with energy recovery is demonstrated in addressing both environmental and energy challenges. The results show that in several Northern and Western European countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, and United Kingdom) the share of residual MSW incinerated with energy recovery exceeds 50% and largely supplies district heating networks. In contrast, in Southern Europe, residual MSW is primarily utilized for electricity generation as a substitute for fossil fuels. In Ukraine, a high potential was identified for integrating WtE plants into existing district heating systems of major cities, which could replace up to 10% of natural gas consumption. These findings confirm the feasibility of developing WtE infrastructure as a tool for decarbonizing municipal energy systems and reducing landfilling of waste.