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Science
Study warns of climate impact of waste‑to‑energy plants as Haryana plans expansion
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 07:45 PM
👁 2
A recent study highlights the greenhouse‑gas emissions associated with waste‑to‑energy (WTE) facilities, raising concerns as Haryana prepares to add more plants.
A research report released this week quantifies the carbon footprint of waste‑to‑energy (WTE) plants operating across India. The analysis, conducted by an independent environmental institute, finds that the combustion of municipal solid waste releases significant amounts of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, offsetting some of the climate benefits claimed by the technology.
The findings arrive as the Haryana government has announced intentions to increase its WTE capacity to manage rising solid‑waste volumes. Officials cite the projects as a solution to landfill pressures and a source of renewable energy, but the new study urges policymakers to factor in the full life‑cycle emissions before approving further sites.
Experts quoted in the report recommend integrating advanced emission‑control systems and exploring alternative waste‑management strategies such as recycling and composting to reduce the overall climate impact. The study calls for a transparent assessment framework that balances waste reduction goals with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Haryana's environment department has said it will review the study's recommendations and consider them in upcoming tender processes for new WTE facilities. The next steps include a public consultation slated for early next year, where stakeholders can discuss the trade‑offs between waste handling capacity and climate objectives.
The report adds to a growing body of literature questioning the sustainability of large‑scale incineration projects, prompting several states to re‑evaluate their waste‑to‑energy roadmaps in light of climate targets.
The findings arrive as the Haryana government has announced intentions to increase its WTE capacity to manage rising solid‑waste volumes. Officials cite the projects as a solution to landfill pressures and a source of renewable energy, but the new study urges policymakers to factor in the full life‑cycle emissions before approving further sites.
Experts quoted in the report recommend integrating advanced emission‑control systems and exploring alternative waste‑management strategies such as recycling and composting to reduce the overall climate impact. The study calls for a transparent assessment framework that balances waste reduction goals with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Haryana's environment department has said it will review the study's recommendations and consider them in upcoming tender processes for new WTE facilities. The next steps include a public consultation slated for early next year, where stakeholders can discuss the trade‑offs between waste handling capacity and climate objectives.
The report adds to a growing body of literature questioning the sustainability of large‑scale incineration projects, prompting several states to re‑evaluate their waste‑to‑energy roadmaps in light of climate targets.