Making WtE ambitions a reality

THE country’s plan to build 18 waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities by 2040, with energy production projected at 600MW, comes at a time when rising waste volumes coincide with heightened global energy uncertainty. Geopolitical uncertainty and increasing conflicts are leading to supply disruptions and all of this reinforces the need to diversify the energy mix.

Malaysia’s WtE plans are promising: landfill use could be decreased by up to 85%. WtE plants also lead to a decrease in harmful emissions primarily by diverting waste from landfills – which emit high-impact methane – and by replacing fossil fuel energy generation.

However, careful planning is needed. Earlier, such projects faced challenges such as high construction and operating costs, delays in implementation and resistance from communities, which is often driven by the “not-in-my-backyard” mindset due to fears of health and environmental impacts.

WtE plants are capital-intensive and typically rely on long-term concessions with guaranteed waste supply and power purchase agreements. This may lead to higher electricity tariffs and tipping fees. Who will ultimately bear this cost?

It’s also important to get the basics right. WtE plants work best when waste is collected properly and sorted at the source. Singapore and Japan succeed by enforcing strict separation rules, with penalties and public education. While we do have efforts at waste separation, it remains limited, partly due to less strict enforcement and weaker compliance incentives.

The government can enhance waste sorting by enforcing regulations more strictly and raising public awareness.

Despite these challenges, WtE represents an important step in managing waste efficiently and reducing reliance on landfills. To be sure, at 600MW across all 18 planned facilities, it will make only a modest contribution to the overall renewable energy supply.

But as a tool for efficient waste management and reducing landfill reliance, the initiative represents an important step toward the country’s sustainability goals.