Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Industry Analysis in East Asia

Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Sales Outlook for East Asia (2024 to 2034)

As per the latest research analysis published by Fact.MR, sales of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in East Asia are estimated at US$ 339.3 million in 2024. The East Asian market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% and reach a valuation of US$ 537 million by the end of 2034.

Implementation of stringent environmental policies and regulations is projected to stimulate demand for alternative fuel options, including refuse-derived fuel. It is adopted as a sustainable solution for waste management in the region. In addition, the quest to reduce dependency on traditional energy sources is estimated to increase demand for RDF.

Countries in East Asia are facing increasing challenges in managing growing volumes of municipal solid waste. Refuse-derived fuel is being adopted as one of the popular solutions for minimizing landfilling and promoting more sustainable practices for waste disposal. Government subsidies and incentives are projected to play a vital role in promoting the demand for RDF. Financial aid for refuse-derived fuel is anticipated to encourage investment by players in the East Asia market.

Constant advancements taking place in refuse-derived fuel production technologies are set to make the procedure more cost-effective and efficient, which is further contributing to market expansion in East Asia.

Report Attributes	Details
Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Sales in East Asia (2024E)	US$ 339.3 Million
Projected Sales (2034F)	US$ 537 Million
Demand Growth (2024 to 2034)	4.7% CAGR
Sales in South Korea (2024E)	US$ 42.8 Million
Demand Growth in Japan (2024 to 2034)	4.3% CAGR
Sales in China (2034F)	US$ 331 Million
Market Share of Low Grade RDF (<10 Mj/kg) Fuel (2034F)	>68%
Key Companies Profiled	China Everbright International Limited Kyoei Steel Ltd. Green Energy Group Eco-Business

What’s Leading to Increased Popularity of Refuse-derived Fuel in East Asia?

“Need to Tackle Challenges Associated with Waste Management”

Waste management challenges in East Asia are multifaceted, especially driven by rapid industrialization, population growth, and urbanization. These challenges are leading to the increased production of municipal solid waste, putting noteworthy pressure on current waste management infrastructure.

Economic development in more countries in East Asia is leading to noteworthy changes in consumption patterns and a shift to a more consumer-oriented society. This transition is forecasted to lead to increased waste generation, including electronic waste, packaging materials, and other products with a limited lifespan.

Availability of suitable land for landfilling is a noteworthy challenge in densely populated cities in the region. The limited availability of space for conventional landfill sites is generating requirements for the exploration of some alternative methods for waste disposal to prevent a heightened burden on landfills.

Furthermore, landfills are closely related to environmental issues, such as water and soil contamination, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. Recognition of these environmental concerns is projected to lead to an increased emphasis on a transition to more sustainable practices for waste management.

Country-wise Insights

How is China Able to Maintain its Hegemony in the East Asian Region?

“Growing Energy Demand and Limited Availability of Resources”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 203 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 331 Million

There has been a significant increase in the demand for energy in China owing to its economic growth and rapid urbanization. Refuse-derived fuel serves as one of the popular alternative energy sources, offering a way to harness energy from waste materials, which can otherwise end up in landfills. In addition, China is facing challenges related to the scarcity of natural energy resources. Refuse-derived fuel offers an opportunity for energy recovery from waste materials, therefore contributing to a circular economy while using resources more effectively.

What’s Driving Market Opportunities for Companies in Japan?

“Increased Concentration on Waste-to-Energy for Minimizing Dependency on Nuclear Power”

Attribute	Japan
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 93.5 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.3% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 142.5 Million

Similar to other regional countries, Japan is also encountering issues related to scarcity of resources owing to its lack of natural resources and limited land area. This scarcity is forecasted to lead to increased emphasis on waste-to-energy solutions, including refuse-derived fuel to recover energy and valuable resources from waste.

Japan has been focusing on diversifying energy resources and minimizing dependency on nuclear power after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. RDF is anticipated to offer a sustainable and domestic alternative energy source while aligning with the energy security goals of the country.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Consumption of Refuse-derived Fuel High in Cement Kilns?

“Growing Popularity of RDF as Calorific and Reliable Fuel Source in Cement Kilns”

Attribute	Cement Kilns
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 186.8 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 288 Million

Refuse-derived fuel contains a noteworthy amount of energy, which might be recovered through the process of combustion. Cement kilns need comparatively high temperatures for the clinkerization procedure. RDF is anticipated to offer a calorific and reliable fuel source to match these temperature requirements. This assists cement manufacturers minimize dependency on conventional fossil fuels.

Consumption of refuse-derived fuel is projected to minimize greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to conventional fossil fuels. The cement industry is estimated to contribute to reducing carbon emissions with the adoption of RDF.

Why Has Low Grade (<10mj/kg) Refuse-derived Fuel Become Popular?

“Effective Waste Utilization Capacity of Low-grade (<10Mj/kg) RDF”

Attribute	Low Grade (<10Mj/kg)
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 232.5 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 383 Million

Low grade refuse-derived fuel enables the use of a wider range of waste materials, such as those which have comparatively lower calorific values. This is projected to expand the feedstock options for the production of RDF, enabling the processing of a larger waste volume, which can otherwise go to landfills and contribute to environmental pollution.

Competition Landscape

Leading companies operating in the East Asia market are incorporating various strategies, such as product differentiation, educational marketing, new development, online presence, product quality control, and management of systems used in the supply chain, which help them get a competitive edge. China Everbright International Limited, Kyoei Steel Ltd., Green Energy Group, and Eco-Business are some of the prominent suppliers of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in East Asia.

Segmentation of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Study in East Asia

• By Fuel Type :

  • High Grade (>10 Mj/kg)
  • Low Grade (<10 Mj/kg)

• By Application :

  • Cement Kilns
  • Co-Combustion
  • Gasification
  • CHP

• By Feedstock :

  • Municipal Solid Waste
  • Industrial Waste
  • Commercial Waste
  • Construction & Demolition Waste

• By Production Technology :

  • Mechanical Biological Treatment
  • Pyrolysis & Gasification

• By Country :

  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea