Lagos State has taken a major step towards turning tonnes of solid waste generated in the metropolis into usable energy.

Lagos State Governor, Mr 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.

In a statement, 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 quality of life in the state.

The governor said the partnership represented a “monumental step” forward in 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.

“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 plant will not only provide a sustainable alternative to the current practice of waste dumping, it will also divert more than 95 per cent of our waste from landfill sites.”

Sanwo-Olu said the initiative would significantly reduce the 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 dumpsites.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the Governor said the project, which has over a 25-year operational lifespan, would stimulate economic activities around the initiative, attract major investments to the state, and create jobs.

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 minimized, 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.

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 enable the state to turn its burden into 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 an international reputation in managing solid waste properly.

“Amsterdam and Lagos share similar challenges in managing population and waste. What we do is export knowledge on managing waste properly. This MoU has set a good pace for both partners. We made a proposal to manage part of the solid waste of Lagos and in the future, we can expand,” Lichtenbelt said.