Solid Waste as a Sustainable Source of Energy: Current and Future Prospects in India

India has played a significant role in advancing sustainable energy sources and is actively engaged in enhancing energy efficiency through ambitious programs. However, the rapid economic growth and population expansion have led to a substantial increase in solid waste generation in the country. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, approximately 277.1 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in 2016, and is projected to rise to 543.3 million tons per year by 2050. Moreover, industrial solid waste, including hazardous and inert waste, averages around 4.43 million tons per year, with a stockpile currently is totaling 4,483,500 tons. Annually, hazardous waste amount in India reached to 3.4 million tons, with 2,008,500 tons awaiting proper disposal solutions otherwise affect the environment adversely and induce to prompt climate change. The framework for solid waste management (SWM) and its valorization is comprehensive, taking into account the composition and physicochemical characteristics of existing categories of solid wastes. The solid waste generated in India presents the significant potential as a sustainable & renewable energy sources. Waste-to-energy technology offers a smart solution to recycle solid waste and generate energy. This chapter offers an overview of advanced technologies, exploring diverse conversion options and addressing the environmental challenges associated with waste-to-energy initiatives.