PitchBook-新兴的可持续投资机会：从废物到燃料（英）-2023.11-8页_585kb

Waste-to-fuel technologies represent an emerging opportunity for venture capital to invest in solutions that address growing global energy demands and waste management needs while aligning with sustainability goals. Key financial drivers include the low-to-negative cost of waste as an input, increasing worldwide energy requirements, and support from climate-related policies and markets, such as the transition to net-zero emissions. However, risks involve intense competition from startups and established players, potential regulatory shifts, and increasing rivalry for waste resources.

Environmental benefits are moderate-to-high, with potential to provide low-carbon or near-carbon-neutral fuels and reduce landfill usage, mitigating associated environmental harms like emissions and pollution. Social impacts are lower but could improve quality of life by reducing landfill-related health issues, such as asthma and pollution-related diseases.

Key IRIS+ categories relevant include Air, Biodiversity & Ecosystems, Climate, Energy, Land, and Pollution. Potential metrics for impact measurement include tons of waste utilized, CO2 emissions prevented, renewable energy use in production, and average waste transportation distance.

This investment space is supported by increasing deal activity, with $4.0 billion invested in 101 VC-backed companies since 2013, and opportunities for exits through acquisition by larger firms.