Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Industry Analysis in Middle East & Africa

Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Sales Outlook for Middle East & Africa (2024 to 2034)

The Middle East and Africa is projected to generate US$ 1.38 billion in revenue from the sales of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in 2024, with the market forecasted to increase to US$ 2.06 billion by 2034. Over the next ten years (2024 to 2034), this advancement is predicted to happen at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%.

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is produced by extracting fuel from commercial, industrial, and municipal solid wastes. By producing RDF, landfill gas can be reduced and the possibility of methane leaks into the atmosphere can be reduced. Environmental laws, waste management policies, and the need for sustainable and alternative energy sources are some of the factors influencing the RDF business in the Middle East & Africa.

Coal ash, often known as 'fly ash', is one of the most prevalent and ancient forms of RDF and is present in every country that burns coal. Fly ash from power plants and bottom ash are the two byproducts produced by burning coal. Making RDF is primarily done to prolong the life of landfills while lessening their environmental impact. RDF has the potential to be a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to natural gas in construction applications than other fossil fuels like coal or oil.

Report Attributes	Details
Refuse-Derived Fuel Sales in Middle East & Africa (2024E)	US$ 1.38 Billion
Projected Sales (2034F)	US$ 2.06 Billion
Demand Growth (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Sales in GCC Countries (2024E)	US$ 145.9 Million
Demand Growth in Turkiye (2024 to 2034)	3.9% CAGR
Demand Growth in GCC Countries (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Demand Growth of Municipal Solid Waste (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Suez Environment Veolia Waste Management, Inc. Tadweer Interwaste EnviroServ Waste Management

What is Driving High Demand for Refuse-derived Fuel in the Middle East & Africa?

“Environmental Policies for Landfill Diversion and Waste Energy Recovery”

Tighter rules governing the use of landfills and the handling of waste are fueling the market for RDF in MEA. RDF is being adopted as a fossil fuel substitute due to policies that stimulate the use of renewable energy sources and try to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

There is growing pressure to divert waste from landfills as landfills fill up and the environmental effects of landfilling become more obvious. Production of RDF is a practical way to accomplish this. RDF offers a method for repurposing waste materials that would otherwise be disposed of. This is especially tempting for areas looking to cut back on their reliance on foreign fuels or for those with high energy bills.

Country-wise Insights

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' refuse-derived fuel business is changing as a result of the country's growing emphasis on energy diversification and sustainable waste management techniques. In Türkiye, refuse-derived fuel is an important part of the country's developing waste management and energy production plans.

Why are RDF Providers Investing in GCC Countries?

“Government Policies and Vision Plans for Waste-to-Energy Initiatives”

Attribute	GCC Countries
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 145.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 226.5 Million

A number of GCC countries have started waste-to-energy initiatives that include the manufacturing of RDF. For instance, as part of its effort to keep garbage out of landfills, the UAE has been investing in waste-to-energy facilities. These countries have presented their vision plans, which contain objectives for waste management and sustainability. These regulations frequently encourage the use of RDF and other alternative fuels. Through public-private partnerships (PPPs), the private sector is becoming more involved in waste management and the production of RDF.

As these countries concentrate on sustainable environmental policies and seek to diversify their economies, it is anticipated that the RDF business in the GCC would expand. The combination of technology, regulatory support, public-private partnerships, and public engagement methods are critical components of the success of RDF projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Furthermore, it will be critical for RDF projects to be in line with larger national goals for economic diversification and sustainability.

Why is Turkiye a Key Market for Refuse-derived Fuel in MEA?

“Stress on Renewable Energy and Enhanced Waste Management”

Attribute	Turkiye
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 61.9 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.9 % CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 90.7 Million

RDF has a bright future in Turkey, particularly as the country hunts for renewable energy sources and keeps improving its waste management infrastructure. The RDF sector is expected to increase as a result of the production of RDF being in line with Turkey's environmental aims and the growing need for alternative fuels in sectors like cement making.

The country’s advantageous position and continuous efforts to conform to EU norms can encourage developments and investments in this field. However, effective public-private collaborations, ongoing legislative framework development, and technical breakthroughs will be necessary for RDF projects to succeed.

Category-wise Insights

Use of municipal solid waste in RDF production is an integral part of modern waste management strategies, contributing to both energy recovery and environmental sustainability. By drastically cutting the volume of garbage, mechanical biological treatment lessens the quantity that needs to be landfilled. Organic waste can be turned into compost or biogas, increasing resource efficiency. Recyclables are also recovered from the waste stream.

Why is Municipal Solid Waste a Preferred RDF Source?

“Waste Diversion with Resource Recovery and Economic Viability”

Attribute	Municipal Solid Waste
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 141.7 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 220 Million

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) plays a vital role in the manufacturing of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF). MSW is processed and treated to remove non-combustible materials and reduce waste size so that it can be used as a fuel in a variety of industrial operations. The manufacturing of RDF contributes to the removal of waste from landfills, which is essential for lowering pollution levels and prolonging the life of landfills.

It makes it possible to extract energy from waste products, which supports the circular economy theory. RDF can be an affordable fuel alternative, particularly in areas with considerable waste production and constrained landfill space.

Will Mechanical Biological Treatments Become Popular Going Forward?

“Crucial Role of Mechanical Biological Treatment in Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management and RDF Production”

Attribute	Mechanical Biological Treatments
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 200.4 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 302.4 Million

One important step in the creation of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT). MBT recovers materials for recycling, produces a combustible fuel product, and lessens the environmental impact of waste disposal by combining mechanical and biological processes.

MBT is essential to the sustainable management of MSW, especially when it comes to the creation of RDF. MBT facilities are able to achieve significant waste volume reduction, valuable material recovery, and the production of a high-grade fuel source by combining mechanical sorting and size reduction with biological treatment.

In line with the circular economy's principles, this promotes resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. But careful planning, technological know-how, and respect to environmental and health regulations are necessary for successful implementation.

Segmentation of Refuse-Derived Fuel Study in Middle East & Africa

• 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 :

  • GCC Countries
  • Turkiye
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA