Examining the Opportunities and Obstacles of Waste-To-Energy For Sustainable Energy Utilization In Nigeria: A Brief review.

Abstract

The global surge in energy demand, fueled by population growth and economic expansion, underscores the increasing reliance on fossil fuels and the pressing need for renewable energy solutions. While fossil fuels dominated global energy consumption in 2020, the transition to renewables, particularly solar and biomass, is gaining momentum, with projections indicating a two-fold increase in the renewable energy market by 2040. In Nigeria, the energy sector faces multifaceted challenges, including an overreliance on fossil fuels, inadequate electricity supply, and environmental degradation from alternative energy sources like generators. Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technologies present a promising solution to address Nigeria's dual crises of energy scarcity and waste management. With an abundance of organic waste and untapped potential for energy recovery, methods such as anaerobic digestion, landfill gas recovery, and incineration offer viable pathways for clean energy production. However, barriers such as inadequate funding, technological limitations, and policy constraints hinder the development of WTE initiatives. Drawing on global WTE successes, particularly in the European Union, this study evaluates Nigeria's WTE potential, highlighting proposed and failed projects, and identifies critical factors for overcoming current challenges. The findings emphasize the necessity of tailored approaches that integrate local conditions, policy reforms, and increased investment to harness Nigeria’s vast waste-to-energy potential. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse on achieving sustainable development through innovative energy recovery methods.