Economy & Tech

Waste-to-Energy: An Effective Solution with a Not-In-My-Backyard Problem

Energy efficient waste-to-energy plants are on the rise, but cities like Nara still face challenges in finding new sites due to opposition from residents.

Published

6 months ago

May 20, 2024

Yasuhiko Hiraoka

Nara City has released images of its new Clean Center concept, but the way forward remains uncertain as local opposition persists. (Provided)

Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - Waste-to-Energy: An Effective Solution with a Not-In-My-Backyard Problem

As Japan's population declines, waste processing facilities are increasingly being consolidated. The roles they play in society are changing too. But cities face challenges when trying to construct new facilities to replace aging ones. Residents often oppose incinerators due to noise and odor concerns. One solution gaining traction is the waste-to-energy plant that utilizes the heat from waste incineration for power generation. Electricity generated from burning trash can be used to power public transportation or various other city functions.

Decommissioning Aging Incinerators

"We want to erase the negative image of waste treatment facilities."

Nara Mayor Gen Nakagawa announced plans for a new facility in February 2024. The "clean center" plan includes a power generation plant built alongside the waste incinerator.

With a population of 350,000, Nara urgently needs to relocate its aging waste treatment facility. The city's current facility in its Sakyo district has been in operation since 1982.

A typical incinerator has a lifespan of about 30 years. Now over 40 years old, the facility has experienced breakdowns in recent years that have resulted in delays in incineration. In some instances, waste had to be transported outside the city and even outside the prefecture for treatment.

Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth to learn more about how waste-to-energy could address the problem of Japan's aging incinerators.

And find more great articles on the environment and the challenges of achieving the SDGs on our affiliated website Japan 2 Earth (J2E), sparking a transition to a sustainable future.