Evaluating Energy-from-Waste (EfW) Technologies: A Comparative Analysis between the UK and Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This dissertation compares Energy-from-Waste (EfW) in the UK’s mature, policy-led system with Saudi Arabia’s fast-building Vision 2030. It treats waste not just as a liability but as a usable fuel—one way to cut landfills while adding dependable power. After reviewing thermochemical and biochemical routes, it unpacks how UK policy squeezed out landfill use and contrasts this with Saudi institutions and diversion targets. A techno-economic model for a large Riyadh plant reveals that outcomes hinge on landfill gate fees, renewable-energy incentives, and how public–private partnerships are structured; the contract matters as much as the kit. There is no universal fix. The study advocates for a locally tailored mix—aligned with waste composition, credible policy levers, and circular economy integration—and provides a practical framework for Saudi deployment that supports diversification, energy security, and measurable environmental gains under Vision 2030.