- 1 Oginni O.T.*, 2 Olagunju M.O., 3 Ojo O. A. and 4 Ogunsanya O.A.
- Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria.
The global population growth and urbanization have led to a rise in municipal solid waste, highlighting the need for sustainable energy sources amid fossil fuel depletion and climate change pressures. This paper explores waste to energy conversion as a strategic solution for managing waste and generating sustainable electricity, addressing challenges and providing reliable energy. The study highlights the socio-economic advantages of waste treatment technologies in developing regions with inadequate waste management infrastructure and energy access. It explores the mechanisms, energy conversion efficiency, environmental impacts, and applicability of water treatment empowerment systems, presenting case studies from successful countries for practical insights. Waste to energy reduces landfill use, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs, enhances energy security, and improves sanitation, but challenges like high initial investment, public awareness, and weak regulatory support persist. The paper emphasizes the importance of integrating waste treatment empowerment into national energy and waste strategies for sustainable development, recommending stakeholder collaboration, government incentives, and public education.
