Exploring opportunities for implementing waste-to-energy projects in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

This study explores opportunities for implementing waste-to-energy technologies to alleviate the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) current waste management challenges as well as the current energy crisis in the country. Globally, untreated, unsafe disposal, and inefficient waste collection have contributed to a waste crisis, while a rapidly increasing world population has increased waste generation, and a higher demand for energy. Waste-to-energy is therefore increasingly viewed as a viable solution to waste management and energy supply challenges. However, South Africa underutilises waste for energy generation. CoJ has initiated the adoption of waste-to-energy projects for electricity, but little progress has been made on the actual implementation. This study therefore investigates the potential for implementing waste-to-energy projects in the CoJ to recommend strategies for successfully enhancing both waste management and energy generation in the city. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the study and semistructured interviews were utilised for collecting primary data. Using purposive sampling, 20 managers and employees in CoJ’s waste management and energy departments were selected. The study found that implementing waste-to-energy projects offers numerous benefits to CoJ, including freeing up landfill space, improving energy supply, and contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the study found that the successful implementation of waste-to-energy projects is complex and hinges on a number of factors, including the availability of human, financial, and technological resources, a supportive regulatory and policy environment, and the participation of all stakeholders. Recommendations include the development of employee skills and competencies and the mobilisation of financial resources through increased focus on public-private partnerships. Management is also encouraged to collaborate with policymakers to revise legislation, regulations, and policies that govern waste management and renewable energy and replace it with supportive legislation and policies. Lastly, management should promote a culture of separation at the source and increase the level of public participation.