How Waste to Energy Companies in India Are Solving Two Problems at Once

India is facing two major and growing challenges: solid waste management and clean energy generation. As cities expand and populations grow, the amount of waste being generated has reached alarming levels. At the same time, the demand for energy continues to climb, especially in urban and industrial areas.

In this Blog, waste to energy companies in India are stepping up with innovative solutions that tackle both problems at once. These companies are not only helping manage urban waste but also converting it into a valuable resource: electricity.

This blog explores how waste to energy developers in India are transforming waste into power, reducing landfill pressure, and contributing to the country’s clean energy goals—all while supporting circular economy principles.

The Growing Waste Problem in India

India produces more than 160,000 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, and the number is rising with urbanization. A large portion of this waste ends up in open landfills, causing air and water pollution, health hazards, and greenhouse gas emissions—especially methane, which is far more potent than CO₂.

Traditional methods like open dumping or burning are unsustainable. With limited land availability and environmental concerns, new and cleaner alternatives are essential.

What Is Waste to Energy?

Waste to energy (WTE) refers to the process of generating electricity or heat from the treatment of waste. This can be done through various methods:

  • Incineration (burning waste to generate heat)

  • Anaerobic digestion (biological breakdown to produce biogas)

  • Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production

  • Gasification and pyrolysis (advanced thermal processes)

These technologies can significantly reduce the volume of waste while creating clean, usable energy. In simple terms, waste to energy developers turn trash into a power source.

How Waste to Energy Solves Two Problems

1. Reduces the Waste Burden

By converting waste into energy, WTE plants reduce the need for landfills. A well-managed plant can cut down waste volume by up to 90%, which is especially important in densely populated cities where land is limited.

In addition, these facilities help manage waste more hygienically and reduce the spread of diseases often linked to unmanaged garbage piles.

2. Generates Renewable Energy

Waste to energy plants produce electricity that feeds into the local grid or powers surrounding communities and industries. This helps reduce dependency on coal-based energy and supports India’s commitment to a cleaner energy mix.

The energy generated from WTE is considered partially renewable, as it often contains biodegradable materials like food, paper, and agricultural residue.

Key Waste to Energy Developers in India

Several companies are investing in this sector and developing large-scale WTE projects across India. These waste to energy developers in India are working alongside municipalities, industrial zones, and state governments to build plants that handle solid waste and generate electricity efficiently.

Kundan Green Energy

One of the emerging names in the renewable space, Kundan Green Energy, has made a notable entry into the waste-to-energy segment. The company recently acquired an 11.5 MW municipal solid waste-based power plant in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This plant has the capacity to treat around 450 tonnes of waste per day.

This move aligns with Kundan’s broader renewable strategy, which also includes hydropower and solar, showcasing its commitment to building an integrated and sustainable energy portfolio.

Kundan Green Energy stands as a promising waste to energy company that combines technical expertise with a clean energy mission—addressing waste disposal issues while feeding green power back into the grid.

Challenges Faced by Waste to Energy Companies

Despite the clear benefits, this sector faces some challenges:

  • Waste Segregation: Most Indian cities lack proper waste segregation at the source, making it harder to process waste efficiently.

  • Public Awareness: People are often unaware of how WTE plants work, leading to resistance due to misconceptions about pollution or odor.

  • High Capital Investment: Building and maintaining WTE plants requires significant upfront costs and advanced technology.

  • Policy and Permitting Delays: Environmental approvals and land acquisition can slow down project execution.

However, with better waste policies, funding mechanisms, and community education, many of these issues are being addressed progressively.

Government Support and Future Outlook

The Indian government, through the Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities Mission, and Waste to Energy program under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), is actively promoting waste to energy projects. Incentives include:

  • Capital subsidies for project development

  • Feed-in tariffs for electricity generated

  • Viability gap funding (VGF) support

With rising urban waste volumes and increasing power needs, waste to energy developers in India have a unique opportunity to scale operations and make a real impact.

Conclusion

Waste to energy is not just a technological solution—it’s a smart strategy for sustainable urban living. By turning solid waste into usable energy, waste to energy companies in India are helping solve two major problems: waste disposal and clean electricity generation.

Companies like Kundan Green Energy demonstrate how this model can be integrated into a broader clean energy mission. As more developers enter this space and government policies become more supportive, waste to energy will play a bigger role in India’s renewable energy journey.
Location: India

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