Promoting Public-Private Partnership Models for Waste-to-Energy Projects: Lessons from China and Recommendations for Vietnam

Abstract

Nowadays, to manage the sustainably and effectively the rapidly increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW), many countries have sought the implementation of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks. This approach aims to reduce pressure on public budgets and attract private sector participation in WTE initiatives. Thus PPP activities in MSW treatment have grown rapidly in China, contributing significantly to improved MSW management efficiency, active private sector engagement in energy recovery from waste, and the advancement of the national circular economy. In such a regards, this article analyzes the implementation of PPP-based WTE projects in China, focusing on incentive policies that encourage the development of such projects particularly those using the PPP model and provides policy recommendations for Viet Nam.