The Interest Group of Thermal Waste Treatment Plants in Germany (ITAD), in cooperation with Prognos AG and Prof. Dr. Martin Faulstich, has conducted its own study to investigate “Prospects for thermal waste treatment – Roadmap 2040“ vorgelegt, in der die Entwicklung der Auslastung von Anlagen bis zum Jahr 2040 beschrieben und mögliche Veränderungen und Herausforderungen dargelegt werden.

The study comes to the conclusion that full capacity utilization of the thermal waste treatment plants (TAB) can be expected at least until 2040. There could even be a lack of capacity in 2040 if there is no further expansion. They are indispensable for the long-term security of supply and disposal and for citizens and companies with electricity and heat, as well as a sink for pollutants and for the hygienization of waste.

From ITAD’s point of view, TABs can contribute even more to climate protection and a climate-neutral Germany in the future, e.g. by producing more hydrogen and thus supporting the German hydrogen strategy. Waste incineration is also an important building block for recycling. Energy recovery and material recycling are not mutually exclusive: Increased recycling can create free capacity for waste from other disposal channels.

The results of the study were presented to the public at ITAD’s annual online press conference on August 18, 2020. The presentation was recorded and is available here. You can download the complete study here.