Economic analysis of waste-to-energy industry in China

The generation of municipal solid waste is further increasing in China with urbanization and improvement of living standards. The 12th five-year plan period (2011-2015) promotes waste-to-energy technologies for the harmless disposal and recycling of municipal solid waste. Waste-to-energy plant plays an important role for reaching China's energy conservation and emission reduction targets. Industrial policies and market prospect of waste-to-energy industry are described. Technology, cost and benefit of waste-to-energy plant are also discussed. Based on an economic analysis of a waste to-energy project in China (Return on Investment, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, and Sensitivity Analysis) the paper makes the conclusions. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.