FROM WASTE TO WATTS, POWERING TOMORROW

LAST Saturday, after a refreshing but brutal park run at the Mbabane Club and while waiting for my younger brother to finish playing soccer, I had an enlightening conversation with a fellow park runner. We chatted about the current state of renewable energy resources in Eswatini, and this discussion sparked a thought in me about the untapped potential of waste-to-energy initiatives. This idea resonated with something the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, mentioned at the Cooling Summit last month.

She urged our Swazi scientists to come up with innovations that would address both our energy and waste management crises. As someone working in waste management, I find this topic incredibly relevant and inspiring. This week I will delve into the importance of waste-to-energy initiatives for our environment, economy, and community and encourage both the public and private sectors to support youth-led renewable energy projects.

Environmental Benefits

Waste-to-energy initiatives offer a lot environmental benefits by addressing the dual challenges of waste management and energy production. Traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Landfills emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while incineration can release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. By contrast, waste-to-energy technologies convert waste materials into valuable energy sources, reducing the volume of waste and mitigating environmental pollution. For example, anaerobic digestion breaks down organic waste to produce biogas, which can be used for electricity generation and heating. This process not only reduces methane emissions, but also produces nutrient-rich organic waste, which can be used as fertiliser, promoting sustainable agriculture.

Economic Impact

The economic benefits of waste-to-energy initiatives are equally very good. Developing waste-to-energy infrastructure can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Construction and operation of waste-to-energy facilities require skilled labour, providing employment opportunities for youth people. Additionally, the production of renewable energy from waste reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, which Eswatini currently relies on.

This in the process will enhance energy security and potentially lower energy costs. Furthermore, waste-to-energy projects can attract foreign investments and foster innovation. By supporting research and development in waste-to-energy technologies, Eswatini can position itself as a leader in the growing global market for renewable energy solutions. This can lead to the creation of new industries and the diversification of the economy in the country, reducing reliance on traditional, resource-intensive sectors.

Social and Community Benefits

Waste-to-energy initiatives also offer significant social benefits, particularly for vulnerable communities. Access to clean, reliable energy is a fundamental driver of social development, enabling improved healthcare, education and economic opportunities. By converting waste into energy, communities can gain access to affordable, sustainable energy sources, reducing energy poverty and enhancing quality of life.Engaging young people in waste-to-energy projects is particularly impactful. Youth-led initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainable development, empowering the next generation to drive positive change. By providing training and support for young entrepreneurs and youth organisations in the waste-to-energy sector, we can cultivate a new wave of innovators and leaders dedicated to environmental sustainability.

Both the public and private sectors in Eswatini have pivotal roles to play in supporting youth initiatives focused on renewable energy. By investing in and collaborating with young organisations/companies, these sectors can help accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems. Supporting youth-led waste-to-energy projects can bring several advantages, including access to innovative solutions, enhanced corporate social responsibility and a stronger connection with the community. Moreover, fostering partnerships with educational institutions can help build a skilled workforce capable of driving the renewable energy sector forward. This investment in human capital will not only benefit the public and private sectors, but also contribute to the broader goals of national development and sustainability.

Success Stories from Across Africa

Across Africa, young innovators are already making remarkable strides in the waste-to-energy sector. In Kenya, the company Sanivation converts human waste into charcoal briquettes, providing a sustainable fuel source for cooking ,while improving sanitation. This initiative not only addresses waste management challenges, but also reduces deforestation and indoor air pollution, benefitting both the environment and public health.

In Nigeria, the social enterprise Wecyclers, empowers communities by offering a recycling service that rewards participants with points that can be exchanged for household goods. The collected waste is then processed into biogas and organic fertiliser, promoting a circular economy and providing income opportunities for local residents.  As we move forward, it is crucial for stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to support and invest in youth-led projects that drive innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.

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