Exploring the Potential for Waste-to-Energy in Nigeria

Energy recovery from numerous alternative sources is a growing trend in the world. It offers a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save resources and promote sustainable development. Amidst the piles of garbage, there lies an untapped source of energy that holds great promise for Nigeria. This article will explore the potential for waste-to-energy in Nigeria.

Energy recovery from waste products is a process that converts non-recyclable waste into valuable energy sources. The growing concern for environmental sustainability and the increasing energy demand justifies the adoption of energy alternatives. Hence, finding ways to generate energy from waste would help address some challenges, such as improving the electricity access deficit.

According to a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) report, Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of waste annually, accounting for 2.5 million tons of plastic. Nigeria is among the top 20 nations that contribute 83 per cent of the total volume of land-based plastic waste that ends up in the oceans. Waste often ends up on the streets or in landfills without proper management. This leads to environmental degradation, flooding, and health problems among affected populations.

Different waste management methods can produce energy, including incineration, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. Incineration is the process of burning waste at high temperatures to generate heat and electricity. Gasification, on the other hand, converts waste into a gas that can produce energy. Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that converts organic waste into biogas, which can be used for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.

Anaerobic digestion is most suitable for Nigeria, given that the average temperature range is from 10°C to 35°C, with relatively long hot periods. There is, therefore, high solar energy potential for anaerobic digesters as a clean development mechanism. In cold countries, achieving optimum bacterial activity and biogas production requires a hydraulic retention time of 15 to 20 days to run the digester. Nigeria and most West-African countries significantly reduce this time to four to five days.

In other countries, waste-to-energy has made significant progress. For example, Europe has a well-developed waste-to-energy industry, with Sweden leading the way. In 2018, Sweden generated more than 50 per cent of its electricity from waste and other renewable sources. China is also making great strides, with an estimated 72 waste-to-energy plants in operation as of 2019.

Despite abundant waste and a rapidly growing population, Nigeria has not fully harnessed its potential for waste-to-energy. Reasons for this include a lack of investments, inadequate legal and regulatory frameworks, and a lack of awareness of the benefits of this form of alternative energy source.

To fully attain the potential for waste-to-energy in Nigeria, the government must take more proactive measures in promoting and regulating the industry. These measures could include providing tax incentives for waste-to-energy companies, streamlining the permitting process, and investing in education and outreach programmes to raise awareness of the benefits of converting waste to energy. Conversely, the private sector also has a crucial role to play. Companies must invest in technology by acquiring new equipment and retrofitting existing facilities.

Additionally, the collaboration between the private and public sectors must be encouraged. This would create a favourable regulatory environment and overcome the challenges currently preventing the growth of Nigeria’s waste-to-energy industry. The waste conversion potential in Nigeria is enormous. Therefore, the government’s attention must be drawn to waste-energy-technology management methods, as it not only effectively manages the waste by providing a clean and conducive environment for all but also has the additional benefit of electricity generation.