Antony Waste Handling Cell Ltd has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan’s JFE Engineering Corporation to develop two Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major step forward for India’s sustainable waste management sector. As part of the collaboration, JFE Engineering will invest ¥750 million for a 25% equity stake in the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that will develop the Kadapa and Kurnool waste-to-energy projects. Notably, this partnership represents the first Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s Waste-to-Energy sector, highlighting growing international confidence in the country’s clean energy and waste management initiatives.
JFE Engineering to Lead Engineering and Construction
Under the agreement, JFE Engineering India will take responsibility for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities for both plants. The collaboration also aligns with the India–Japan strategic partnership on sustainable infrastructure development. Moreover, it supports the India–Japan Joint Vision 2025 initiative, which aims to facilitate ¥10 trillion in Japanese investments in India’s priority sectors, including infrastructure, clean energy, and environmental technologies.
Partnership to Drive Sustainable Infrastructure
Jose Jacob, Chairman and Managing Director of Antony Waste Handling Cell Ltd, described the partnership as a milestone for India’s Waste-to-Energy industry. “This investment marks a defining moment for India’s Waste-to-Energy sector. It validates our execution capabilities, governance standards, and long-term vision. By partnering with JFE Engineering, we are combining global technology leadership with deep local expertise to build scalable and environmentally responsible infrastructure,” he said. Jacob added that the collaboration reflects a long-term partnership focused on strong execution, regulatory compliance, and shared commitment to sustainable outcomes.
JFE Engineering Expresses Confidence in India’s Waste Sector
Akira Usui, Director of the Recycling Business Promotion Division at JFE Engineering Corporation, emphasized the company’s confidence in India’s growing waste management market. “This investment reflects our strong belief in India’s Waste-to-Energy opportunity and in Antony Waste as a reliable and capable partner. As our first investment in India’s waste sector, it demonstrates our long-term commitment to bringing advanced technology and engineering expertise to support sustainable infrastructure development in the country,” he noted.
India’s Waste-to-Energy Sector Holds Significant Growth Potential
India generates around 150,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, creating an urgent need for efficient waste management solutions. Despite this growing waste generation, less than 5% of the country’s estimated 5,600 MW Waste-to-Energy potential has been utilised, indicating a vast opportunity for future development.
Through this partnership, JFE Engineering India will act as the technology partner, leveraging its global experience from more than 250 Waste-to-Energy facilities worldwide. The company will deploy advanced technologies and operational expertise to enhance efficiency, environmental performance, and scalability of the projects.
Strengthening India’s Circular Economy
The Kadapa and Kurnool projects are expected to play a key role in reducing landfill waste, generating clean energy, and supporting India’s transition toward a circular economy. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, by combining Japanese engineering expertise with local operational capabilities, the partnership between Antony Waste and JFE Engineering aims to accelerate the development of sustainable waste management infrastructure in India.
