Lagos State has taken a major step towards turning tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis to usable energy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, 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 partnership with the Amsterdam, Netherlands-based firm was at the instance of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, while the agreement was signed under the supervision of the Lagos State Office of the Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Sanwo-Olu said the inadequacies of the current waste disposal practices in the State led to the sealing of the partnership to bring about innovative alternatives towards reducing environmental pollution, improving air quality, and stemming degradation and contamination of water resources that posed threats to the life quality in the State.
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.
He said: "Today marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos, as we formalise a partnership with Harvest Waste Consortium. This is a collaboration that promises to transform waste management and energy production in our State.
"The growth of our population signifies progress and opportunity, just as it presents challenges, particularly in managing the increasing volumes of municipal solid waste. We sought innovative and sustainable solutions through extensive consultations, visits, and a thorough exchange of information with our partners from the Netherlands."
Sanwo-Olu said the technology had not only proven reliable but had also been tested by the European Commission as the best available technology in terms of efficiency.
"The facility will ensure that the potentially harmful effects of municipal solid waste are minimised, thereby protecting public health and the environment. This project will not only enhance public health and well-being but also contribute to the circular economy by reducing landfill dependency and promoting recycling," the governor said.
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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.
He said the partnership would make the State turn its burden to wealth and create new value from waste conversion. The partnership, Wahab said, is fully backed by the Dutch government.
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.
The envoy gave assurance of the Dutch government's commitment to the success of the agreement.
Managing Director of Harvest Waste Consortium, Mr. Evert Lichtenbelt, said the firm had built international reputation in managing solid waste in a proper way.
