Toward sustainable waste-to-energy solutions: risk allocation and technological innovations in public-private partnerships

Abstract

The energy challenge and environmental degradation are currently two of the biggest obstacles to sustainable global growth. Due to emerging countries’ rapid industrialization and population increase, people have been migrating from rural to urban areas. One of the primary causes of environmental deterioration in Egypt is the country’s hundreds of tons of municipal solid waste generated every day, as well as the country’s struggles with waste management and energy production. Waste-to-energy (WTE) programs show promise as a remedy. However, given the inherent complexity and unpredictability of these endeavors, a careful examination of risk allocation methods is important, especially in the context of public-private partnerships. The present paper intends to identify important risk considerations, evaluate their allocation methodologies, and distribute insights for stakeholders and policymakers involved in WTE projects in Egypt through an extensive assessment of the literature and case studies subsequently in practice. In order to reduce the risks associated with Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects in Egypt, the current paper considers eight categories: land accessibility, availability, and site risks; social risks; environmental and human health concerns; design risks; construction risks; operation risks; financial market risks; and collaboration risks.