CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The waste-to-energy concept is rapidly emerging as an important component of integrated waste management strategies and has positive growth prospects. However, due to the low cost of electricity and high capital investment required in waste-to-energy plants, the incentives for utilising energy generated from waste are moderately limited.

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New analysis from Frost Sullivan (http://www.environmental.frost.com), South African Waste-to-Energy Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $65.2 million in 2007 and estimates to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 10.5 percent between 2007 and 2014.

If you are interested in more information about this study, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

The rapid decline in the space for landfill sites and the increasing volumes of waste material have driven many countries to develop more cost-effective and sustainable solutions to tackle waste, says Frost Sullivan Research Analyst Derrick Chikanga. Waste-to-energy generation can play a pivotal role in alleviating the pressure on landfills and the disposal of any waste material that is not recyclable in South Africa.

Limited landfill space within an economic haul distance has made alternative waste treatment methods imperative, especially as people are strongly against landfill sites being located close to their homes.

The biggest challenge for companies entering the waste-to-energy market is the resistance they are likely to face from local communities. Most communities in South Africa are opposed to having a plant located near their settlement. The key concerns for communities are the effects of emissions on public health, the odour and pollution associated with transporting waste for incineration.

Environmentalists are strongly against the incineration of any waste material, explains Chikanga. Concerns over emissions and ash disposal are key aspects that are frequently pointed out by environmental groups.

The ability to provide technology that is environmentally friendly and safe to operate is essential for companies that come under increased public scrutiny. Financial stability, strength and guarantees are important in acquiring such technology in this market.

South African Waste-to-Energy Market is part of the Environmental Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: South African Air Pollution Control Market, The South African Hazardous Waste Management Market, South African Industrial Waste and Process Water Treatment Equipment Markets, and South African Municipal Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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South African Waste-to-Energy Market M371 Contact: Patrick Cairns Corporate Communications - Africa P: +27-18-464-2402 E: patrick.cairns@frost.com

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SOURCE: Frost SOURCE: Sullivan

CONTACT: Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa, of Frost Sullivan, +27-18-464-2402, patrick.cairns@frost.com