Global waste surge pushes developing nations toward residual biomass energy solutions

Developing countries show a different priority set. They tend to focus on technologies that offer simpler pathways for deployment. Anaerobic digestion stands out as the preferred method for food waste and other organic materials. It is widely favored because the process is more familiar, can be scaled to both rural and urban contexts, and is easier to integrate into existing agricultural systems. The researchers note that this is a clear strategic choice, since many developing nations generate high volumes of biodegradable waste from domestic and agricultural sources.

Researchers have released a comprehensive global assessment that shows how much energy potential continues to go unused in the world’s rising waste streams. Published in the journal Energies, their new analysis draws attention to the growing pressure on developing countries to convert organic, plastic, and mixed waste into reliable renewable energy at a time when fossil fuel dependence, rapid urban growth, and environmental degradation continue to strain public systems.

The research, titled “Exploring the Energy Potential of Residual Biomass: A Bibliometric Analysis,” is published in the journal Energies. It examines 1869 scientific documents produced between 2017 and 2021 to map global trends in Waste to Energy, identify the most important technologies, and highlight structural challenges that block wider adoption in developing economies.

Growing waste volumes heighten the need for new energy pathways

Population increase, rising urbanization, changes in consumption habits, and higher economic activity are rapidly increasing municipal solid waste volumes around the world. These changes are particularly visible in developing countries, where millions of people still rely on traditional fuels for cooking and heating, even while waste accumulation grows at a pace that local systems cannot manage.

The researchers point out that waste composition has shifted over the past decades. Organic waste remains substantial, but plastics, textiles, and mixed residuals are now rising faster as modern lifestyles expand. If current trends continue, the waste output of developing countries will soon match that of richer nations, which will place serious demands on already strained disposal systems.

These conditions have pushed Waste to Energy solutions into the global spotlight. The study shows that converting waste into renewable energy is no longer seen only as an environmental goal. It has become a vital strategy for energy access, urban planning, resource recovery, and climate mitigation. Waste to Energy also supports broader renewable energy transitions by reducing pressure on landfills, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and creating power from local resources that would otherwise be discarded.

Across the literature, the researchers identified three dominant Waste to Energy pathways used in developing countries: anaerobic digestion for organic waste, incineration for non biodegradable mixed waste, and pyrolysis or gasification for plastic and biomass rich materials. Each method has its own operational advantages and challenges. Together they show how varied the waste stream has become and how important a multi technology approach is for countries that face wide differences in feedstock availability.

Technological trends reveal clear regional priorities

By analyzing nearly two thousand documents, the authors uncovered patterns in how nations prioritize certain technologies, what research fields attract the most attention, and which regions shape the scientific direction of Waste to Energy.

China leads global scientific production in this sector, with the highest annual citation averages during the study period. The United States follows, then Italy, England, Iran, India, and Spain. China’s strong presence reflects both its robust research funding and the alignment of its national policies with large scale renewable energy development.

Developing countries show a different priority set. They tend to focus on technologies that offer simpler pathways for deployment. Anaerobic digestion stands out as the preferred method for food waste and other organic materials. It is widely favored because the process is more familiar, can be scaled to both rural and urban contexts, and is easier to integrate into existing agricultural systems. The researchers note that this is a clear strategic choice, since many developing nations generate high volumes of biodegradable waste from domestic and agricultural sources.

For non-biodegradable mixed waste, countries with limited access to advanced sorting and recycling systems tend to rely more on incineration. While this method has sparked social resistance in some regions because of pollution concerns, the study shows that it remains common due to its ability to handle mixed waste streams without the need for complex preprocessing.

For waste that is rich in carbon, such as plastics and biomass, pyrolysis and gasification are gaining attention. These thermochemical processes offer higher energy recovery potential. They also support the production of cleaner fuels and value added products. The study highlights that although these technologies can be more expensive and technically complex, they are increasingly explored as national energy strategies move toward low carbon and circular economy models.

The content analysis conducted by the authors also revealed strong interest in hybrid systems that combine biochemical and thermochemical processes. These systems offer more flexibility, better energy yields, and lower environmental impact. The authors note that hybrid models are emerging as a leading research direction worldwide because they allow countries to use diverse waste streams more efficiently.

Implementation challenges threaten wider waste to energy adoption

Despite strong scientific growth, the study warns that many implementation obstacles continue to slow down Waste to Energy expansion, especially in developing regions. High infrastructure costs are a major barrier. The construction and operation of Waste to Energy facilities can be costly, and many countries lack access to stable financing or affordable credit. The researchers say that government incentives often determine whether these technologies are deployed at scale.

Another challenge is the social resistance that often surrounds Waste to Energy projects. Public concern about pollution, toxic emissions, and land use conflicts has led to strong opposition in many communities. The study notes that securing the trust and support of local residents is essential for long term project success. In some cases, even proven technologies face delays or cancellations due to these social pressures.

Technical knowledge gaps add to the problem. Skilled labor shortages, limited research infrastructure, and insufficient technical training can slow down adoption. Many Waste to Energy technologies are sensitive to feedstock quality and require consistent operational knowledge to maintain efficiency. This is particularly relevant for pyrolysis and gasification systems, which are more complex than anaerobic digestion or basic incineration.

The study also highlights waste composition variability as a key obstacle. Waste found in developing countries is not always sorted and can contain high levels of contamination, which reduces process efficiency and increases costs. In contrast, developed countries rely heavily on recycling, material recovery, and pollution control strategies. These practices improve waste quality and support better outcomes for advanced Waste to Energy systems.

Regulatory frameworks vary widely from one region to another. Inconsistent policies, slow permitting procedures, and unclear environmental guidelines make project planning more difficult. The authors argue that stronger governance and clear rules are needed to support the transition toward Waste to Energy and reduce the environmental risks associated with poorly managed waste.