The Metropolitan Region of Chile produces approximately 2.8 million tons of household solid waste (RSD) annually, of which about 98% is disposed of in landfills. In many countries, the implementation of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants has faced considerable resistance from communities. Air pollution, noise, and increased traffic are among the main concerns of the public. However, modern, clean, and environmentally friendly technology now exists, enabling their operation even within cities themselves.

The study aims to determine the technical, economic, social, and environmental feasibility for the installation of a WTE plant in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, allowing for better exploitation of sustainable energy generation from household solid waste (RSD), municipal (RSM), and industrial (RSI) waste. The team comprises professionals from EBP and Pöyry, an engineering company leading the project.

Among the expected results are:

• The definition of optimal site(s) for the installation of a WTE plant
• An evaluation of the most favorable combustion and generation technology for the local context
• A proposed business model suitable for the implementation of the WTE concept
• An action plan for the execution of a first pilot project