There is a global shift in trend for resolving electricity supply challenges. Solutions are evolving from fossil fuel reliant plants to renewable and clean energy solutions such as waste to energy, solar and more.
With Nigeria’s growing population and increasing electricity consumption, there is an urgent need to better utilise the resources efficiently by using residential and commercial waste for clean energy generation as one solution to meet the country’s electrification challenge.
Waste to Energy refers to several technologies that can be utilised in converting waste into electricity, heat and biofuels. In a report released by bioenergy consult, Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of solid waste annually, of which only 20 -30 per cent are collected. These wastes are usually agricultural residues, animal waste, plastics, woody biomass, municipal solid waste and industrial waste.
For instance, in the agricultural segment, it is estimated that Nigeria produces about 227,500 tonnes of animal waste every day, meaning it can produce roughly 6.3 million cubic meters of biogas daily, which can be converted into electricity.
What process is involved?
Waste to energy can take place through several processes such as:
- Landfill gas recovery – landfill gas recovery is a natural by-product of the decomposition of organic materials in the landfill. Instead of allowing the gas in landfills to escape into the atmosphere, it can be captured, converted and used in the form of biogas.
- Incineration: Incineration is the process of burning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to form carbon dioxide and heat used to make steam and then generate electricity.
- Gasification: This involves converting MSW into synthesis gas or syngas through a chemical conversion process. The product can be used for electricity generation.
If these processes are taken in actionable steps, it will present a win-win solution for waste management and poor electricity access (learn more).