Schebeck, I. M. (2010). Can waste to energy technologies provide energy solutions for CEE? : an analysis of competitiveness [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://resolver.obvsg.at/urn:nbn:at:at-ubtuw:1-59893
With the EU commitment to increase renewable energy by 20% by 2020 and reduce CO2 emissions by 20%, electricity production from renewable energy sources, so far largely neglected in the CEE Member States, has to be expanded. The investors' perspectives to invest in renewable energy in CEE are at the center of this analysis. The core question which this paper attempts to ascertain is: Can biogas and waste -to-energy offer high rates of return to attract investments and contribute to efficient energy and environmental solutions in CEE? The main drivers for such investments are: feedstock availability and prices, robust technologies alternatives, and attractive feed-in tariffs. These drivers are assessed in detail. The most important conclusions are: Municipal solid waste and sewer sludge are an increasing problem in all CEE Member States. These waste streams are a free feedstock. New processing technologies for anaerobic digestion and plasma-arc gasification can turn the waste problem into a highly attractive financial investment opportunity to produce a renewable energy with little or no carbon footprint.