Waste2Light Plans to Power Up Communities in Niger State

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, the Electricity Hub spoke to Emmanuel Abah, the CEO of Waste2Light, about the company’s efforts to address electricity access problems in Niger State. Waste2Light is dedicated to solving electricity shortages, and Abah discussed the company’s recent proposal for a hydro-turbine project in the Gurara community in Niger State.

Addressing electricity shortages

Abah highlighted that several communities, including Kagara in Niger State and Baga and Gwoza in Borno State, have been without electricity for the past six months. Waste2Light has submitted a proposal for the Gurara hydro-turbine project after visiting the Gurara waterfall and meeting with the local director, who expressed interest in the initiative. The project’s timeline will depend on approval and implementation processes.

Proposed project overview

• Location: Gurara community, Niger State
• Technology: Proposed hydro-turbine
• Capacity: 500 kW
• Beneficiaries: Five communities, approximately 25,000 residents
• Impact: Reliable electricity for homes, businesses, and community facilities

Waste2Light’s goals

Waste2Light is a social enterprise that transforms plastic waste into clean energy solutions. The company aims to bridge the electricity gap in Nigerian communities and promote sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

By 2025, Waste2Light aims to:

• Electrify 100 communities
• Provide 1 million people with access to clean energy
• Create 500 jobs in the clean energy sector
• Secure funding and approval for the Gurara hydro-turbine project
• Conduct feasibility studies for additional community electrification projects
• Establish partnerships with local governments and stakeholders to support sustainable energy development

Importance of closing electricity gaps

• Access to reliable electricity is a cornerstone for development in rural communities. It drives economic growth, improves education and healthcare, and enhances the overall quality of life. For rural Nigerian communities, bridging the electricity gap is crucial for several reasons:
• Reliable electricity enables businesses to operate efficiently, fostering local entrepreneurship and job creation. It also attracts investments and supports the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Electricity allows students to study after dark and access digital learning tools essential for modern education. It also supports the functioning of educational facilities and improves overall learning outcomes.
• Electrification of health facilities ensures the availability of critical services, such as refrigeration for vaccines, equipment sterilization, and the ability to perform emergency procedures. It also enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
• Access to clean energy reduces dependence on harmful fossil fuels, improving air quality and environmental sustainability. It also enhances social cohesion by improving communication and connectivity within and between communities.

Best principles for closing electricity gaps

Abah explained that his approach to closing electricity access gaps is based on three major principles:

• Engaging with local communities to understand their specific needs and priorities is essential for the success of electrification projects. This approach ensures solutions are tailored to meet each community’s unique requirements.
• Leveraging cutting-edge clean energy solutions, such as hydro-turbines, ensures that electricity gaps are addressed efficiently and sustainably. Innovative technologies provide reliable and cost-effective energy solutions.
• Working with local governments, stakeholders, and other partners is crucial for achieving sustainable impact and scalability. Collaborative efforts enhance resource mobilization, expertise sharing, and long-term project sustainability.
• Addressing electricity gaps in rural Nigerian communities is vital for promoting sustainable development and improving residents’ quality of life. Waste2Light’s initiatives, driven by a community-centric approach, innovative technology, and collaborative partnerships, pave the way for a brighter, more empowered future for rural Nigeria.