Lagos State has taken a major step towards turning tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis to usable energy to power 40,000 homes in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, formalised a partnership with a Dutch firm, Harvest Waste Consortium, for the construction of a high efficiency Waste-to-Energy plant on Epe landfill, which will utilise advanced technology to generate clean energy from municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste.
The innovative waste management solution is expected to take some 40,000 homes off the national electricity grid, as the technology would enhance energy security and diversification, generating between 60 and 75 megawatts of baseload electricity annually.
The Governor said the partnership represented a “monumental step” forward of his administration’s waste management strategy, stressing that the move marked another milestone in the journey to build a clean, healthy, and more sustainable city.
Sanwo-Olu said the initiative would significantly reduce environmental footprint of Lagos waste disposal methods, with the plant expected to trap about 550,000 metric tons of Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted daily from dumpsite.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the partnership created a new mandate for Lagos to seek solid waste management solutions.
Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands Consulate, Ms. Leonie Van der Stijl, said the partnership presented the possibility of international collaboration to solve local challenges, noting that Lagos, through the pact, became the first partner of the Dutch waste management.
Managing Director of Harvest Waste Consortium, Mr. Evert Lichtenbelt, said the firm had built international reputation in managing solid waste in a proper way.
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