Article Summary: What Is Waste-to-Energy?
This article offers a straightforward introduction to Waste-to-Energy (WtE) for job seekers and professionals exploring the green energy sector. It explains how WtE converts non-recyclable waste into usable energy such as electricity or heat, helping reduce landfill usage and support cleaner energy generation.
- Defines Waste-to-Energy and its role in sustainable waste management
- Outlines common technologies used, including combustion and anaerobic digestion
- Highlights the environmental benefits and limitations of WtE solutions
- Frames WtE as a growing area within the green energy industry with career potential
The article positions WtE as an important part of the UK's efforts to manage waste efficiently while contributing to long-term energy goals.
The energy sector is widely considered to be a future-proof career. Engineers with experience in energy production and infrastructure will always be in demand, but there are some emerging technologies that will be more prevalent than others in the coming years.
Although we’re unlikely to see the end of gas and oil completely, our reliance on these fuel sources is likely to decrease over the coming decades. Coal is likely to be phased out entirely, although some countries remain reliant on this resource.
This places energy sector workers in an interesting position, particularly when they are involved in these declining sectors. When there is less demand for one resource, it makes sense for these workers to shift attention to another sector that could benefit from their skills and experience.
Waste-to-Energy is growing in popularity as a less carbon intensive energy source. Although not as eco-friendly as completely renewable energy such as wind or solar, there is a place for waste-to-energy production within the power grid.
In this guide, we’re exploring the scale of the waste-to-energy sector in the UK and how workers from other industries can pivot their careers into this emerging sector. As the UK heads ever closer to Net Zero deadlines, it will become more important than ever before to shift attention to new, cleaner energy sources.
What is waste-to-energy?
Waste-to-energy is a broad term that might be used to refer to a number of activities. In general, it refers to the technology that converts waste into energy, usually heat or electricity.
Major changes to the way we power our homes and vehicles means that there has never been greater demand for electricity. There are more electric vehicles on the road, and the majority of new homes are being built to run entirely on electricity. This means huge demand for power, which cannot always come from renewable sources.
Waste to energy is filling this gap by helping to convert waste into usable energy. There are a number of ways this might be achieved:
- Incineration – burning waste materials generates heat that creates steam to power turbines. This can be used to generate electricity.
- Anaerobic Digestion – when waste is broken down in an oxygen-free environment, this creates gasses which can be used to generate power. The most common gas generated is methane.
- Gasification – waste can be broken down into a combustible gas (syngas) which can then be used as a fuel, or used for electricity generation.
- Pyrolysis – when waste decomposes at high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment, this creates gas, oil and char that may be used in electricity production.
- Landfill gas recapture – collecting methane gas that is emitted in landfill sites can then be put to use in electricity production.
Is waste-to-energy green?
While some critics of waste-to-energy would argue that this isn’t green, since it produces some greenhouse gases, there are arguments to be made that it is repurposing waste already generated. It can also help to redirect some waste away from landfill, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
There's also the argument that capturing and controlling greenhouse gases and managing emissions could allow us to generate the electricity we need for homes and infrastructure, without resorting to extracting new fossil fuels.
So while waste to energy might not be the greenest source of energy, it certainly serves a purpose within the Net Zero targets, provided it is monitored and managed correctly.
What skills are useful for waste-to-energy careers?
If you’re curious about joining this sector, you might be wondering what skills are in need. Anyone with engineering experience may be able to adapt their experience to a career in the waste-to-energy sector.
In particular, those with chemical engineering or biological engineering backgrounds will be in demand in the waste-to-energy sector. Mechanical, environmental and electrical engineers may also be interested in joining this workforce.
In addition to strong engineering skills, employers will be looking for aptitude in problem solving and analytical ability. Since waste-to-energy engineers will often design multiple systems for capturing energy, engineers will need to be flexible in their approach to ensure systems are as efficient as possible.
Job prospects for waste-to-energy engineers
The vast majority of waste-to-energy engineers are employed in full-time contracts, working regular 9-5 hours, Monday to Friday. Starting salaries are typically around £28,000 with more experienced managers earning up to £85,000 a year. These salaries will also be supplemented with employee benefits such as a generous pension, private health care and company car allowance.
The vast majority of applicants in this sector will have an engineering background or project management experience within the waste management sector. Employers are varied, including local councils, waste management companies and renewable energy producers. Demand for these skills is expected to remain consistent and to increase steadily over the following 10-20 years as the UK adapts to Net Zero targets.
