History and Current Status of Waste-to-Energy Utilization in the Nordic Region ### Historical Background In the Nordic region, efforts to utilize waste as an energy source began in the mid-20th century. In particular, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, energy supply through waste incineration has become a cornerstone of urban infrastructure. In 2004, the Amager Resource Center in Copenhagen incinerated 400,000 tons of waste annually, supplying electricity to 50,000 households and heating to 120,000 households. Energy efficiency exceeded 42%, and 8,000 tons of metal were recovered from incineration ash each year.

History and Current Status of Waste-to-Energy Utilization in the Nordic Region ### Historical Background In the Nordic region, efforts to utilize waste as an energy source began in the mid-20th century. In particular, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, energy supply through waste incineration has become a cornerstone of urban infrastructure. In 2004, the Amager Resource Center in Copenhagen incinerated 400,000 tons of waste annually, supplying electricity to 50,000 households and heating to 120,000 households. Energy efficiency exceeded 42%, and 8,000 tons of metal were recovered from incineration ash each year.

Meanwhile, in the Swedish city of Västerås, biogas is generated from 200,000 tons of food waste, fueling approximately 100 public buses. These efforts have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 8,000 tons annually. By the early 2000s, the Nordic countries had succeeded in recycling or converting approximately 94% of their waste into energy, keeping the landfill rate below 3%.

### Current Status in the 2020s In Copenhagen, the "Ammer Bakke Waste-to-Energy Plant" was completed in 2017 and supplies energy to 150,000 households. Energy efficiency reaches 107%, and emissions are strictly controlled. Furthermore, the facility features a 500-meter ski slope on its roof, which serves as a recreational facility for citizens. In Sweden, 99.3% of household waste is utilized as energy or recycled resources, and in Värtahamn, Stockholm, a biofuel facility handles the region's energy supply. It also imports waste from countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Italy, generating $100 million in revenue. These initiatives strengthen the response to climate change and contribute to the city's sustainable development. This Nordic model is attracting attention in other countries, including Japan, as a successful example of balancing energy efficiency with environmental conservation. Efforts to balance the reduction of fossil fuels with environmental
protection are likely to continue in the future.