In the EU, the utilization rate of RDF is far from reaching its maximum potential. According to a study commissioned by the European Investment Bank (EIB), while significant progress has been made in waste management across EU countries, a large portion of waste remains untapped as a renewable energy source. The study pointed out that the cement industry in Europe has already replaced 52% of its thermal energy needs with RDF, but with improved quality control, RDF utilization could be further enhanced, potentially replacing up to 85% of fossil fuel demand.
EU policies encourage industrial users to adopt RDF through incentives like higher waste treatment taxes, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, with the development of plastic chemical recycling technologies, the value and quality of RDF are expected to improve, further boosting market absorption.
United States: Market Expansion and Quality Control Challenges
The RDF and SRF market in the U.S. is growing rapidly. According to statistics, in 2022, the market size for RDF and SRF reached $1.5 billion, and it is expected to grow to $2.4 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. RDF and SRF are primarily used to replace energy in cement production, power plants, and other industries.
However, quality issues remain a concern for many industrial users, particularly regarding the stability of heat value, moisture content, and harmful substances. To address these challenges, RDF producers need to invest in advanced technologies and equipment to ensure the consistency and usability of the final product.
In terms of policy, the U.S. government is also encouraging the conversion of waste into energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support greenhouse gas reduction. With technological advancements and policy support, the U.S. RDF and SRF market is expected to continue expanding in the coming years.
Asia: Rapid Development Amid Multiple Challenges
In East Asia, the RDF market is developing rapidly. With accelerating urbanization, the amount of waste produced is increasing, putting immense pressure on existing waste management infrastructure. As a result, waste-to-energy conversion has become an effective solution for many East Asian countries to tackle waste disposal challenges.
In addition, some countries in Southeast Asia are actively promoting waste-to-energy projects to address the challenges of waste management. For example, Indonesia is building the world's largest RDF plant, which, upon completion, will process 2,500 tons of waste daily and produce up to 875 tons of alternative fuel for manufacturing and power plants. Additionally, Singapore is constructing its first integrated wastewater and waste treatment facility, which is expected to be completed in 2025.
Despite the strong demand, Asia still faces challenges related to technology and quality in RDF application. Many countries lack efficient waste sorting and recycling systems, leading to low RDF production efficiency and inconsistent quality. Therefore, improving RDF quality and production efficiency is key to advancing the market in the region.
In this context, Harden Machinery Ltd., with its deep experience in waste-to-fuel technology, has become a global leader in RDF solutions. Harden has provided DWS system solutions for over 200 projects worldwide across industries such as cement, power, and pulp and paper. Harden’s DWS system, through modular, integrated, and automated technology, effectively enhances RDF quality by removing harmful elements and improving the stability of RDF combustion in industrial kilns.
With advanced technologies such as fine crushing, intelligent air selection, and powerful magnetic separation, Harden ensures RDF's high efficiency and reduces the impact on industrial kilns, providing high-performance, eco-friendly RDF solutions for the global market.
Globally, Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) and Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) are emerging as essential tools to address waste management and energy demands. The EU is driving RDF adoption through policy incentives and technological advancements; the U.S. is expanding the market while tackling quality control challenges; and Asia is rapidly developing RDF processing facilities to handle waste. With the advanced technologies offered by companies like Harden Machinery Ltd., the global RDF industry chain is maturing, further promoting the sustainable development of this sector.
As technological innovations and policy support continue to drive growth, RDF and SRF will remain a crucial part of alternative energy solutions, helping the world achieve its waste reduction, energy substitution, and carbon emission reduction goals.