History and Current Status of Waste-to-Energy Utilization in Nordic Countries
### Historical Background
In the Nordic countries, efforts to utilize waste as an energy source began in the mid-20th century. Especially in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden, energy supply from waste incineration has become a pillar of urban infrastructure. 400000 tons of waste were incinerated annually at the Amarr Resource Center in Copenhagen in 2004, providing electricity to 50,000 households and heating to 12,000 households, heating for 50,000 households and 12,000 households, respectively. Energy efficiency exceeded 42%, and 8,000 tons of metals were recovered from the incinerator ash each year.
Meanwhile, the Swedish city of Vesterås generates biogas from 200000 tons of food waste, which is used as fuel for about 100 public buses. By the early 2000s, the Nordic countries had recycled or converted about 94% of their waste to energy and reduced landfill rates to less than 3%.
### State of the art in the 2020s
In Copenhagen, the Amarr Bakke Waste-to-Energy Plant was completed in 2017, providing energy to 15,000 households. Energy efficiency reached 107% and emissions are strictly controlled. In addition, the facility offers its citizens recreational facilities with a 500-meter ski slope on the roof.
In Sweden, 99.3% of household waste is used as energy or recycled resources, and in Vertahamn, Stockholm, a biofuel facility is responsible for the local energy supply. The company also imports waste from the United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, and other countries, generating revenues of $100 million. These efforts strengthen the city's response to climate change and contribute to its sustainable development.
This Nordic model is attracting attention in other countries, including Japan, as a successful example of balancing energy efficiency and environmental protection. Efforts to balance the reduction of fossil fuels and environmental protection will continue in the future.
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