GS-III: Economy, Environment, S&T
Waste-to-energy
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Thermal technologies (incineration, pyrolysis, gasification) and biological technologies (anaerobic digestion, biomethanation) convert municipal solid waste into electricity or fuel. Governance spans the National Policy on Biofuels 2018, Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, and MoEFCC guidelines, with MNRE providing financial incentives under the National Bioenergy Programme. Dual benefits include reducing landfill methane emissions while generating renewable power. Key controversies involve dioxin/furan emissions from incineration, high capital costs, and the risk that WtE plants disincentivise upstream waste segregation and recycling.