Lagos State has taken a significant step towards transforming the tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis into usable energy by signing a deal with a Dutch firm.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formalized a partnership with Harvest Waste Consortium, a Dutch company, to construct a high-efficiency Waste-to-Energy plant on the Epe landfill.
This innovative waste management solution will utilize advanced technology to convert municipal solid waste, commercial, and industrial waste into clean energy. According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, this project is expected to take approximately 40,000 homes off the national electricity grid, generating between 60 and 75 megawatts of baseload electricity annually.
The governor highlighted that the partnership was initiated by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the agreement was signed under the supervision of the Lagos State Office of the Public Private Partnership (PPP). He emphasized that the inadequacies of the current waste disposal practices in the state led to this partnership to provide innovative alternatives aimed at reducing environmental pollution, improving air quality, and preventing the degradation and contamination of water resources.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Sanwo-Olu noted that the project, with over 25 years of operational lifespan, would stimulate economic activities, attract significant investments, and create jobs in the state. He stated, “We are thrilled to announce the construction and operation of a High Efficiency Waste-to-Energy plant in Lagos. This state-of-the-art facility will be built with the capacity to process 2,250 tonnes of waste daily, representing a monumental step forward in our waste management strategy.”
The governor further explained that the plant would significantly reduce the environmental footprint of Lagos’ waste disposal methods by trapping about 550,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted daily from the dumpsite.
Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands Consulate, Ms. Leonie Van der Stijl, praised the partnership as a model of international collaboration to address local challenges. She noted that Lagos, through this agreement, became the first partner of the Dutch waste management initiative and assured the Dutch government’s commitment to the success of the project.
