Lagos State has partnered with Harvest Waste Consortium, a Dutch company, to build a Waste-to-Energy plant at the Epe landfill. This facility will use cutting-edge technology to convert municipal, commercial, and industrial solid waste into clean energy.
This innovative approach is set to significantly benefit the city by potentially removing around 40,000 Lagos homes from the national electricity grid. The technology will bolster energy security and diversification, generating between 60 and 75 megawatts of reliable electricity annually.
The collaboration was initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and formalized under the guidance of the Lagos State Office of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the inadequacies of Lagos’s current waste disposal methods necessitated this partnership. The goal is to introduce innovative solutions that reduce environmental pollution, enhance air quality, and mitigate water resource contamination — factors threatening residents’ quality of life.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the partnership as a “monumental step” in his administration’s waste management strategy and emphasized that it marks a significant milestone in building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable city.
“Today is a landmark moment in our journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos as we formalize our partnership with Harvest Waste Consortium. This collaboration will revolutionize waste management and energy production in our State,” he stated.
The governor highlighted that while population growth signifies progress, it poses challenges, especially in managing the increasing volumes of municipal solid waste. He noted they sought innovative and sustainable solutions through extensive consultations and exchanges with their Dutch partners.
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the chosen technology is reliable and recognized by the European Commission as the most efficient available. “The facility will minimize the harmful effects of municipal solid waste, protecting public health and the environment. This project will enhance public well-being and contribute to the circular economy by reducing landfill reliance and promoting recycling,” he added.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that the partnership mandates Lagos to seek effective solid waste management solutions. He noted that this initiative turns the State’s waste burden into wealth, creating new value through waste conversion. Wahab confirmed the partnership has full support from the Dutch government.
Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands Consulate, Ms. Leonie Van der Stijl, highlighted the potential of international collaboration to address local challenges. She noted that through this agreement, Lagos became the first partner of the Dutch waste management system, reaffirming the Dutch government’s commitment to the success of this partnership.
Mr. Evert Lichtenbelt, Managing Director of Harvest Waste Consortium, stated that the firm has established a global reputation for effective solid waste management.
Why Lagos needs this initiative
This development promises to significantly improve waste management in Lagos, which has recently faced severe challenges with solid waste accumulation. The Waste-to-Energy plant will process a substantial portion of the city’s solid waste, thus reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills.
By converting waste to energy, the project will help reduce environmental pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. Generating 60 to 75 megawatts of electricity will provide a reliable energy source and reduce the pressure on the national grid, enhancing energy security.
Turning waste into energy and other usable products also contributes to the circular economy, creating jobs and economic opportunities in the waste management and energy sectors.