Nigeria’s 32 Million Tons of Waste: Uncovering a Renewable Energy Treasure, Says Expert

Infostride News recently reported on a pressing issue in Nigeria – the staggering annual production of 32 million tons of solid waste. This report highlighted a unique and innovative solution proposed by Kanayochukwu Odoe, the Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited. In a candid interview on the “Energy and You” weekly series organized by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Odoe underlined the potential for actively recycling this waste to support the growth of renewable energy in Nigeria.

In the interview, Odoe shed light on the pivotal role played by the NNPCL in advancing the country’s renewable energy objectives. Notably, the NNPCL made history as the first state-owned oil company to align itself with the United Nations Global Compact, a symbol of its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Odoe passionately emphasized the need for efficient solid waste recycling in Nigeria, as it could pave the way for broader adoption of renewable energy sources. Recycling even a fraction of the 32 million tons of waste generated annually could significantly reduce the demand for raw materials, as these materials could be sourced from recycling processes.

Furthermore, Odoe underscored the importance of government involvement in the regulation and implementation of policies related to recycling. He drew attention to the success stories of countries like Rwanda, where plastic bans have proven to be effective in curbing pollution. He also highlighted the necessity of improved waste disposal site management to mitigate carbon emissions resulting from haphazard dumping.

While Nigeria has taken steps to address environmental concerns through the Climate Change Act, Odoe emphasized the importance of effective enforcement. He clarified that the NNPCL’s decision to join the UN Global Compact is a testament to its dedication to promoting renewable energy within Nigeria.

As part of this commitment, the UN Global Compact will evaluate Nigeria’s efforts on several key parameters, including:

1. The percentage of the NNPCL’s budget allocated to renewable energy initiatives.
2. The nature of the NNPCL’s collaborations with major players in the renewable energy sector.
3. The successful implementation of renewable energy projects within the country.

This significant move signifies NNPCL’s intent to align with international sustainability standards and actively contribute to the development of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.

Odoe further elaborated on the abundant opportunities within Nigeria for renewable energy development:

“One of the greatest advantages we have in this part of the world is the resources required to go into renewable energy are abundant, the technologies are not so complex, and it depends on which part of the technology you want to go with. For instance, we import solar panels for now, but I am sure that Nigerians are moving towards manufacturing and producing here. Now we talk of biofuels; those are things that you do not really need any complex technology to produce or manufacture, we can go into the production of biofuels. Then we have geothermal energy where we can use the high-temperature oil fields we have to generate energy. The other part will be biogas from waste, we have abundant waste around – agricultural and human waste that we can convert to some form of renewable energy.”

The current strategies and partnerships in place, as explained by Odoe, involve collaborative efforts with Kebbi state and the energy service company, 3D Hitech Systems Limited. Their primary objective is to leverage the potential of cassava to produce ethanol, which can be blended with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. This innovative approach aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on traditional fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy sources.

Additionally, Odoe’s office is actively exploring the production of biodiesel. They are currently in discussions with the Cross River state government to establish palm plantations for the cultivation of palm oil, which can then be refined into biodiesel. This biodiesel can be utilized as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel, marking a significant step towards greener aviation.

In line with these initiatives, the NNPCL is considering the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to transform organic compounds further, enhancing their commitment to environmental sustainability and renewable energy solutions. These efforts demonstrate their dedication to promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Nigeria.