Singapore, a small island nation known for its cleanliness and efficiency, has found a powerful way to manage its waste problem while contributing to energy production.
With limited land space and a growing population, the country has turned to waste-to-energy (WTE) technology as a sustainable solution to both trash management and electricity generation.
Singapore Conquered the Trash Challenge
Singapore faces a unique challenge when it comes to waste disposal. With a land area of only about 734 square kilometers and a population exceeding 5.6 million, the country generates more than 7 million tonnes of solid waste annually.
Landfilling is not a viable long-term solution because of space constraints. The only landfill in the country, Semakau Landfill, is an offshore facility built on reclaimed land, and it is projected to be filled up by 2035 if waste continues to grow at the current rate.
To address this, Singapore has adopted a circular economy approach, in which waste is not merely disposed of but treated as a resource. One of the key strategies is incinerating non-recyclable waste to generate electricity in waste-to-energy plants.
How Does It Work?
In Singapore, non-recyclable waste is collected and transported to one of four waste-to-energy plants: Tuas, Tuas South, Senoko, and Keppel Seghers. These plants incinerate the waste at high temperatures, reducing its volume by up to 90 percent.
The heat produced during combustion is used to boil water, generating steam. This steam then drives turbines that produce electricity.
This process not only generates power but also significantly reduces the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill. The ash from incineration is sent to Semakau Landfill, while the energy generated is fed into the national grid to power homes and businesses.
The newest and most efficient facility, TuasOne Waste-to-Energy Plant, can treat up to 3,600 tonnes of waste per day and generate up to 120 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 240,000 households.
The integration of energy generation with waste disposal offers a two-fold environmental benefit: managing waste responsibly and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Benefits and Challenges
The WTE process significantly reduces the volume of waste and the methane emissions typically associated with landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so reducing landfill use also helps mitigate climate change.
Moreover, Singapore's WTE plants are equipped with advanced filtration systems that limit the release of harmful pollutants, such as dioxins and particulates, into the atmosphere.
However, there are still environmental concerns. Incineration can emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants if not properly managed.
Singapore has addressed these concerns through stringent environmental regulations and continuous technological upgrades to ensure emissions remain within safe limits.
Another challenge is public participation. While WTE is effective, it should not replace recycling and waste reduction efforts.
The government has emphasized the importance of reducing waste at the source through campaigns like “Say YES to Waste Less” and initiatives encouraging businesses and individuals to minimize disposable usage.
Future Development
Singapore continues to innovate in this area. The Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF), currently under construction and slated to open in phases starting in 2026, represents the next step in the country’s waste-to-energy strategy.
It will be the first facility in Singapore to integrate multiple waste treatment processes, including waste-to-energy, food waste treatment, and the processing of recyclables.
The IWMF will work in tandem with the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant, forming the Tuas Nexus. This symbiotic relationship between waste and water management is expected to boost overall energy efficiency.
For example, food waste can be broken down and co-digested with used water sludge to produce biogas, which can then be used to generate even more electricity.
A Model for Other Countries
Singapore's approach to turning waste into electricity is a powerful example of how urban planning, environmental policy, and technological innovation can intersect to solve complex challenges.
By prioritizing waste-to-energy as part of a broader circular economy strategy, the country has made strides in energy production, waste reduction, and emissions control, all within the constraints of limited land and natural resources.
As more cities around the world struggle with waste management and climate change, Singapore's waste-to-energy model offers valuable lessons. It shows that even trash, often seen as a burden, can become a resource when guided by smart policy and innovation.
