Waste conversion is a broader term than waste-to-energy, encompassing the production of fuels (syngas, bio-oil) and chemicals, not just heat and power. The waste conversion market includes gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal processing. The waste conversion market for "gasification" produces a syngas (CO + H2) that can be burned for heat/power, or further processed into synthetic natural gas (SNG), methanol, or ammonia. The waste conversion market for "pyrolysis" produces a liquid bio-oil (which can be upgraded to fuel), char, and gas. The waste conversion market for "hydrothermal" processing (using hot, pressurized water) is used for wet waste (sewage sludge).

The broader waste to energy market is a subset. The waste conversion market for "chemical recycling" of plastics (breaking them down into monomers) is a high-value application. The waste conversion market for "circular economy" aims to turn waste plastic back into plastic. The waste conversion market for "waste-to-hydrogen" is an emerging segment (using gasification or pyrolysis, then water-gas shift). The waste conversion market for "waste-to-jet fuel" (sustainable aviation fuel, SAF) is also being developed.

The waste conversion market for "feedstock" flexibility is an advantage; gasifiers can process many feedstocks. The waste conversion market for "tar" (condensable hydrocarbons) in the syngas is a challenge, as it can clog downstream equipment. The waste conversion market for "gas cleaning" (to remove tar, particulates, acid gases) is critical.

The waste conversion market for "scale" is typically smaller than mass-burn WtE plants (10-50 MW vs. 100+ MW). The waste conversion market for "modular" systems are being developed for distributed waste treatment.

Looking ahead, the waste conversion market will see the development of "catalytic" gasification (using catalysts to reduce tar). The waste conversion market for "plasma" gasification (using an electric arc to create extremely high temperatures) can vitrify ash and destroy all organics, but is energy-intensive. The waste conversion market for "microwave" pyrolysis is a niche.

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