Waste incineration is a process in which waste is converted into energy through controlled combustion processes in special plants known as waste incineration plants (WIPs). This process not only offers a solution for waste disposal, but also contributes to energy production, making it an important part of the European and Austrian energy market.

In Austria, waste incineration is increasingly seen as part of sustainable waste management. The provincial capitals and many municipalities operate waste incineration plants that not only reduce the amount of waste, but also generate thermal energy that is fed into the district heating network. This thermal energy can be used to heat residential buildings and public facilities, reducing the need for fossil fuels. In 2021, around 2.8 million tonnes of waste were processed in waste incineration plants in Austria, resulting in a significant amount of energy produced.

A key advantage of waste incineration is the reduction in the volume of waste by up to 90 %. The remaining ash and slag residues are then treated or utilised in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition, the incineration of waste to generate energy can be an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, especially if this waste contains organic materials that would produce methane during decomposition.

However, there are also environmental challenges associated with waste incineration. The emissions produced during incineration, particularly dioxin-like compounds and other pollutants, must be strictly monitored and controlled. In Austria, waste incineration is subject to strict environmental requirements and legal regulations to ensure that the environmental impact is minimised. Waste gas purification technologies, such as electrostatic precipitators and SCR catalytic converters, are used to reduce pollutant emissions.

In the context of the European energy market, waste incineration is also promoted by the EU directives on waste management, which provide for the reuse of materials and the utilisation of waste for energy production. The aim is to promote the waste hierarchy, which prioritises recycling and reuse, followed by energy recovery, as in the case of waste incineration. This is in line with European climate policy, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions and support the transition to a circular economy.

Waste incineration is therefore not only a method of waste disposal, but also an important part of the energy market that contributes to the production of renewable energy from waste materials. Integrating waste incineration into the energy supply reduces dependence on fossil fuels and paves the way for a sustainable energy future.

To summarise, waste incineration plays an important role in Austria, both in waste management and in energy production. The challenge is to minimise the environmental impact while maximising the benefits of generating energy from waste. Ongoing technologisation and the strict regulatory framework ensure that waste incineration will remain an important element of a sustainable energy policy in the future.