The Department of Energy (DOE) has increased the capacity target and extended deadlines for its special waste-to-energy (WTE) auction to attract more participants.
On Friday, the DOE announced it would raise the installation target for thermal combustion WTE projects under the Green Energy Auction Program to 400 megawatts (MW), up from the original 230 MW.
“This expansion aims to accelerate the deployment of WTE technologies while supporting the country’s clean energy transition and solid waste management objectives,” the DOE said.
The agency also revised project timelines: the mechanical completion deadline has been moved to December 2028, and the delivery commencement date to December 2029. These adjustments, the DOE noted, will help ensure projects remain financially viable and technically sound.
To encourage broader participation, the registration period for qualified suppliers has been extended until July 31, 2026. Additionally, registrants who are awarded WTE or biomass energy operating contracts by the end of the registration period will be allowed to join the auction.
The DOE expects that the expanded capacity and extended timelines will boost competition and support the rollout of innovative WTE solutions. WTE projects convert municipal waste into electricity, helping diversify the country’s energy mix while addressing waste disposal challenges.
The changes will be formalized through an amendment to Department Circular No. DC 2026-04-0011 and the corresponding supplemental terms of reference, reflecting the revised capacity allocation, extended timelines, and other auction parameter adjustments.