Lagos State is making significant progress in converting tons of solid garbage produced in the city into energy that can be used. The government has officially partnered with Harvest Garbage Consortium, a Dutch company, to build a high-efficiency waste-to-energy facility on the Epe landfill.
The government would use cutting-edge technology, according to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to produce renewable energy from commercial and industrial garbage and municipal solid waste.
Since the technology would improve energy security and diversification and produce between 60 and 75 megawatts of baseload electricity annually, the creative waste management solution is anticipated to remove about 40,000 houses from the national electrical grid.
The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources requested a partnership with the Dutch company. Concurrently, the Lagos State Office of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) oversaw the deal’s signing.
According to Mr. Sanwo-Olu, the partnership was sealed to bring about creative alternatives towards lowering environmental pollution, enhancing air quality, and halting the deterioration and contamination of water resources that posed threats to the state’s quality of life. This was due to the shortcomings of the state’s current waste disposal practices.
In his remarks, the governor hailed the cooperation as a “monumental step” forward for his administration’s waste management policy. He emphasized that it was another significant step toward creating a clean, healthy, and more sustainable future.
“We are officially partnering with Harvest Waste Consortium today, which is a major step towards creating a cleaner, better, and stronger Lagos. This partnership can potentially revolutionize energy generation and trash management in our state.
“While our population is growing, there are opportunities and development associated with it as well as challenges, especially when it comes to managing the growing amounts of municipal solid trash. Through in-depth discussions, visits, and information sharing with our Dutch partners, we looked for creative and sustainable solutions.
We are overjoyed to inform you that a highly efficient waste-to-energy plant is being built and put into service in Lagos. With a capacity to process 2,250 metric tons of waste per day, this cutting-edge facility will be constructed, marking a significant advancement in our waste management approach. In addition to offering a sustainable substitute for the current trash disposal method, the plant will divert over 95% of our garbage from landfills.
Mr. Sanwo-Olu stated that the plant would capture roughly 550,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released daily from the dumpsite, greatly reducing the environmental impact of Lagos garbage disposal practices.
In addition to its positive effects on the environment, the governor stated that the project will boost local economies, draw significant investments to the state, and provide employment during its more than 25-year operational lifespan.
According to Mr. Sanwo-Olu, the technology has not only been shown to be dependable but has also been evaluated by the European Commission as the most efficient currently available technology.
“The facility will make sure that municipal solid waste’s potentially harmful effects are minimized, protecting the environment and public health.” By encouraging recycling and lowering reliance on landfills, this project will not only improve public health and well-being but also advance the circular economy, according to the governor.
According to Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos now has a new mandate to look for solid waste management solutions as a result of the cooperation.
He claimed that the collaboration would force the state to convert its debt into revenue and produce new value through the conversion of garbage.
Wahab stated that the Dutch government is firmly in support of the relationship.
Ms. Leonie Van der Stijl, the deputy consul general of the Netherlands Consulate, stated that the alliance offered the chance for global cooperation to address regional issues. She added that Lagos became the first partner of Dutch waste management through the agreement.
The envoy pledged the support of the Dutch government for the outcome of the deal.
According to Mr. Evert Lichtenbelt, Managing Director of Harvest Waste Consortium, the company has established a good international reputation for responsible solid waste management.
Lagos and Amsterdam both face comparable difficulties in controlling their populations and garbage. We export our expertise in appropriate waste management. Both parties are moving at a good clip thanks to this memorandum. We suggested managing a portion of Lagos’ solid garbage, and we have room to grow,” Mr. Lichtenbelt stated.
