In Turkey, each household produces about 2 kg of waste daily, resulting in a total waste of over 70,000 tons each day. Traditionally, waste has been dumped in wastelands, leading to significant environmental risks and issues. While generating energy from waste is not a new concept, its widespread and commercial use can be considered innovative.

Burning trash for electricity, known as waste-to-energy, involves converting non-recyclable waste into heat, electricity, or fuel. First, municipal solid waste is collected and recyclable materials are removed. The remaining waste is then incinerated at high temperatures, producing steam that generates electricity through steam turbines and electric generators.

This method has benefits, including reducing landfill space, greenhouse gas emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels. Municipalities and communities can reduce their impact on landfills and decrease greenhouse gas emissions using waste-to-energy methods.

Despite the challenges of high capital investment, environmental impacts from emissions (such as air pollution and toxic ash residue), and public safety concerns, waste-to-energy technologies have continuously improved and become an attractive alternative to municipal waste.

Ankara entrepreneur Mr. Ali Kantur set up the first waste-to-electricity plant in the city using Swiss company technology. The plant now generates electricity and heats a huge greenhouse with the high-temperature water obtained from the low-pressure steam exiting the turbines.

Following Mr. Kantur’s successful venture, many entrepreneurs have invested in this sector nationwide. Around 100 plants in Turkey generate more than 3 billion kWh of energy.

This Post was submitted by the Climate Scorecard Turkey Country Manager Dr. Semih Ergur