Challenges
-
Market Research
-
Circularity
-
Energy from Waste
Challenge
Our client sought to understand Indonesia’s emerging energy-from-waste (EfW) ecosystem. Indonesia, with its growing urban population and waste management challenges, produces over 65 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, with merely 7% being recycled. The remaining waste predominantly ends in landfills or is improperly disposed of, creating environmental hazards while overlooking potential energy generation. Key challenges included identifying value chain stakeholders, understanding regulatory frameworks, and mapping viable market entry points for cleantech innovators.
Solution
Our team conducted a comprehensive assessment of Indonesia’s EfW landscape through stakeholder interviews and market analysis. We mapped the complete value chain—from waste collection (municipal authorities and informal waste pickers) through processing intermediaries to energy producers and distributors. The analysis revealed emerging opportunities at conversion nodes, particularly in biodigestion technologies for organic waste and advanced thermal treatment solutions for non-recyclable materials.
Regulatory analysis uncovered recent policy shifts favouring renewable energy integration and waste-to-energy initiatives, including financial incentives for pilot projects and public-private partnerships. We identified key collaboration opportunities between international technology providers, local waste management enterprises, and government agencies overseeing environmental protection and energy security.
Outcome
The assessment enabled our client to identify three viable market entry approaches for cleantech entrepreneurs: (1) technology licensing partnerships with established local waste management companies; (2) joint ventures focused on municipal-level biogas installations; and (3) equipment supply for waste-to-energy facilities under development in major Indonesian cities.
The client leveraged these insights to develop a phased market entry strategy, beginning in partnership with a provincial government and local university.
