The analogy of using one stone to kill two birds is often used when two problems can be solved by one solution. For example, there is inadequate electric power and an ever-growing waste generation capacity in Nigeria. one can address these two challenges through the waste to power solution.
Over thirty-two (32) million tonnes of wastes are generated annually, and about 90 million Nigerians lack access to electricity. Using waste to power technology offers a solution to waste management and poor gas availability for electricity generation (learn more).
The waste to power generation process undergoes the following stages:
- First, waste is collected from residential, commercial and industrial houses by waste-designed trucks and transported into a large pit where waste is accumulated.
- A jumbo claw on a crane grabs waste and dumps it in a combustion chamber.
- The waste is burned, releasing heat energy.
- The heat energy turns water into steam in a boiler.
- The high-pressure steam turns the blade of a turbine generator to produce electricity.
The electricity produced is then transmitted in transmission lines to areas needing electric power, thus solving the problem of ideal thermal plants not having gas to generate electricity.
One problem (electricity generation) is solved. For the other, the residue from burning waste undergoes these stages:
- An air pollution control system removes pollutants from the combustion gas before it is released through a smokestack.
- The ash is collected from the boiler and the air pollution control system.
Like the analogy of using one stone to kill two birds, waste to power offers a beneficial solution to electricity access and waste management challenges.