The 9th International Training Workshop on Waste-to-Energy successfully concluded on November 23, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the completion of 15 intensive days of technical training, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration.

Jointly organized by Zhejiang University (ZJU) and Zhejiang University of Technology (ZJUT), the workshop was supported by the International Consultant Committee on Waste-to-Energy (ICCWtE), the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and the Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT®). The program brought together leading academic experts, industry practitioners, and policymakers to advance capacity building in sustainable waste management and energy recovery.

Technical Program & Knowledge Exchange

Building on the strong momentum of the opening ceremony, the workshop delivered over 20 expert-led technical sessions covering the full Waste-to-Energy value chain. Topics ranged from advanced combustion systems, AI-assisted plant operation, emissions control, and digital twins, to chemical recycling, Waste-to-X pathways, business models, NIMBY risk mitigation strategies, and policy and regulatory frameworks for waste treatment and disposal.

Renowned faculty and practitioners from China, Europe, the United States, Singapore, and the Middle East combined academic depth with real-world operational experience, providing participants with practical insights applicable across diverse national and regional contexts.

Participants & Capacity Building

During the 15-day training program, 24 participants from 9 developing countries—Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, India, and Colombia—benefited from an intensive curriculum designed to strengthen institutional, technical, and operational capacity in Waste-to-Energy development and deployment.

Field Visits & Practical Learning

Beyond the classroom, the workshop emphasized learning through practice through immersive field visits that highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving waste management and sustainability ecosystem:

  • Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC): Participants gained firsthand insight into national recycling strategies and circular economy implementation at scale.

  • AKAM (أكام) Facility: Advanced construction and demolition waste processing technologies were demonstrated, showcasing innovation in material recovery.

  • KACST Botanical Gene-Bank: Discussions explored the critical connection between biodiversity, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management, broadening the sustainability perspective beyond waste infrastructure alone.

These combined academic and practical experiences reinforced the critical role of modern Waste-to-Energy technologies in reducing methane emissions, managing residual waste after recycling, and accelerating the transition toward a circular economy.

Strategic Impact

The exchange of global best practices directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 / 2040 objectives, particularly the ambition to divert up to 90% of waste from landfills, while simultaneously strengthening technical capacity and institutional readiness for all participating countries.

Closing Ceremony

The workshop concluded with a Closing Ceremony chaired by Prof. Mi Yan (Zhejiang University of Technology). Certificates of completion were awarded, and reflections emphasized the value of cross-regional dialogue, long-term cooperation, and shared responsibility in advancing sustainable waste management solutions worldwide.

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and contributors whose dedication and expertise made this workshop a resounding success, including SIRC, MWAN, Columbia University, SUS ENVIRONMENT, Technical University of Munich, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, University of Sharjah, Shenzhen Energy Group Co., Ltd., GrandBlue, Reworld Waste, CEWEP, and KAUST.

A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to the leadership and entire team at KACST. Your exceptional hospitality, organization, and generous welcome made all participants feel truly at home in Riyadh. The success of this workshop stands as a testament to your vision, commitment to science and innovation, and strong partnership with the global Waste-to-Energy community.

Looking Forward

Since its inception in 2016, the International Training Workshop on Waste-to-Energy series has successfully conducted nine editions, benefiting more than 230 participants from 41 developing countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe. This growing platform continues to foster mutual understanding, knowledge transfer, and long-term collaboration in Waste-to-Energy technologies between China and developing countries worldwide.

We congratulate all participants for their outstanding engagement and collaborative spirit and look forward to seeing the knowledge gained during this workshop translated into real-world impact, advancing sustainable Waste-to-Energy solutions globally.