Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Industry Analysis in Europe

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

Revenue from the sales of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in Europe is estimated to reach US$ 1.32 billion in 2024, according to a newly published study by Fact.MR. The European market is forecasted to expand at 4.2% CAGR and reach a value of US$ 2 billion by the end of 2034.

Several countries in Europe are working actively to achieve their renewable energy targets. RDF is becoming popular as a renewable energy foam as it is derived from certain waste materials. Governments in the regional countries are anticipated to offer incentives and subsidies to stimulate the consumption of refuse-derived fuel in the production of energy.

Implementation of stringent waste management policies in the region aims to promote sustainable waste disposal techniques and minimize landfilling. RDF is projected to offer a significant solution while converting non-recyclable waste into a valuable resource for energy. The requirements for secure and diversified energy sources are driving interest in some alternative fuels, such as RDF. The use of RDF in energy production is anticipated to contribute to minimizing dependency on conventional fossil fuels.

Growing concerns and awareness about environmental issues, including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, etc., are estimated to lead to the adoption of more sustainable and cleaner energy sources. RDF is considered one of the environment-friendly options compared to traditional waste disposable methods.

Report Attributes	Details
Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Sales in Europe (2024E)	US$ 1.32 Billion
Projected Sales (2034F)	US$ 2 Billion
Demand Growth (2024 to 2034)	4.2% CAGR
Sales in Italy (2024E)	US$ 155.8 Million
Demand Growth in United Kingdom (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Sales in Germany (2034F)	US$ 520 Million
Revenue Share of Low Grade RDF (<10 Mj/kg) Fuel (2034F)	>71% Share
Key Companies Profiled	Viridor Renova Group Covanta SUEZ Veolia

Why is There Increase in Demand for RDF in Europe?

“Active Participation of Many European Countries in Achieving Renewable Energy Targets”

Some of the countries in Europe are pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets owing to their commitment to minimizing climate change and the transition to more sustainable energy systems. Refuse-derived fuel is projected to emerge as one of the prominent contributors to renewable energy sources. RDF is gaining prominence as a renewable energy source because of its origin from waste materials, offering an environment-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

Many governments in Europe are anticipated to recognize the potential of refuse-derived fuel in aligning with their goals of renewable energy. They are implementing various subsidies and incentives to promote the adoption of RDF. These measures are forecasted to work as catalysts for the adoption of RDF into processes used for energy production. Some of the financial incentives are direct subsidies, tax credits, or feed-in tariffs for facilities using refuse-derived fuel for energy generation.

Adoption of RDF as a source of renewable energy is anticipated to resonate with the broader objective of minimizing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting a circular economy.

Country-wise Insights

Why is Germany Projected to Outperform Other European Markets?

“High Concentration on Circular Economy and Stringent Waste Management Policies”

Attribute	Germany
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 313.3 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 520 Million

Germany is committed to the circular economy, therefore an increase in the adoption of refuse-derived fuel is experienced as a valuable energy source. This is further projected to align with the sustainable waste management goals and help in promoting resource efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Certain stringent waste management regulations have been implemented in Germany, which emphasize waste minimization, recycling, and resource recovery. They are stimulating the adoption of refuse-derived fuel as an effective way for energy extraction from non-recyclable waste therefore minimizing landfill dependency.

Why is France Forecasted to Emerge as a Profitable Market for RDF Companies?

“High Focus on Energy Security and Renewable Energy Goals”

Attribute	France
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 220.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 346 Million

Increasing interest in diversified energy sources and minimizing dependency on conventional fossil fuels are projected to lead to the growing interest in renewable and alternative energy sources, such as refuse-derived fuel in France. In addition, commitment to increase renewable sources share in the energy mix is anticipated to result in RDF adoption as a sustainable energy source.

Category-wise Insights

Which Application of Refuse-derived Fuel Accounts for a High Market Share?

“Minimal Environmental Impacts of RDF Driving Use in Cement Kilns”

Attribute	Cement Kilns
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 668.3 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 980 Million

Among all the applications of RDF, cement kilns are projected to contribute more to market revenue share in the regional market. Refuse-derived fuel is adopted in multiple ratios in cement factories as a fuel option in cement manufacturing. Its low emission value compared to conventional sources is projected to be one of the noticeable factors contributing to its increased demand in these factories. RDF’s success in matching the eligibility criteria in cement industries while contributing to environmental and economic benefits is leading to its increased demand.

Which Type of RDF is Gaining Prominence among End Users?

“Increasing Technological Advancements Driving Low-grade (<10Mj/kg) RDF Consumption”

Attribute	Low Grade (<10Mj/kg)
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 947.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.49 Billion

Advancements taking place in technology are projected to make it more feasible to extract energy from low-grade waste materials. Further, improved combustion and incineration technologies are forecasted to effectively utilize low-grade refuse-derived fuel, making it a more viable option among various end users.

Competition Landscape

Some of the prominent RDF companies are resorting to educational marketing, product differentiation, online presence, new development, management of supply chain systems, and product quality control to increase their profit margins and expand their reach in the European market. Leading suppliers of refuse-derived fuel are Viridor, Renova Group, Covanta, SUEZ, and Veolia.

Segmentation of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Study in Europe

• 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 :

  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • BENELUX
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe