Waste-to-Energy Utilization Model in the Nordic Countries - May 2004

Waste-to-Energy Utilization Model in the Nordic Countries - May 2004

In Nordic countries, advanced initiatives for generating energy from waste have been actively developed. Particularly, waste incineration plants in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, serve as major energy sources for their cities. For example, the Amager Resource Center in Copenhagen incinerates approximately 400000 tons of waste annually, supplying both electricity and heat. The facility provides power to about 50000 households and heating to 120000 households through a district heating system.

The energy conversion efficiency of waste incineration exceeds 42%, and the facility recovers approximately 8000 tons of metal from the incineration ash annually. In Västerås, Sweden, 200000 tons of food waste are converted into biogas each year, fueling about 100 public buses. This contributes to an annual reduction of approximately 8000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

In Denmark, about 94% of waste is either recycled or converted into energy, with a landfill rate kept below 3%. In Stockholm, the waste management company Fortum supplies electricity to around 80000 households annually. Additionally, around 50000 tons of waste are imported from Norway and Finland each year to ensure stable energy production through incineration.

These efforts enhance regional energy efficiency and significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels. Emission control at the incineration facilities is strictly regulated, with carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions kept below standard levels. The Nordic model serves as an exemplary case for reducing environmental impacts while supporting urban functions, and similar initiatives are being considered in Japan.