The proposed 30-megawatt waste-to-energy project for Freetown and the Western Area has moved a step closer to implementation following the successful completion of comprehensive technical assessments by a team of international engineers specializing in civil, environmental, waste and energy engineering.

The delegation visited Sierra Leone on a working mission to evaluate critical project requirements ahead of the implementation of the highly anticipated infrastructure investment, which is expected to transform waste management, improve sanitation and increase electricity generation across the Western Area.

The engineering team, led by Infinitum Energy's Lead Engineer, Raphael, included specialists from De Smet, a Belgium-based engineering company that has been selected to construct the waste-to-energy plant at the Hastings project site. The company previously completed the construction of a sugar cane processing facility in Hastings.

During the visit, the engineers conducted detailed inspections of all legally designated dumpsites across the Western Area, including Kingtom, Kissy and Waterloo. They also toured industrial and agricultural facilities in Cline Town, Wellington and Waterloo, where they engaged stakeholders to assess waste generation levels, existing disposal practices and operational challenges.

According to the engineering team, the proposed facility will require more than 1,200 tonnes of waste each day to generate 30 megawatts of electricity. Based on their technical findings, the engineers expressed confidence that sufficient waste would be available to sustain the plant once operations commence.

The delegation also carried out an extensive technical assessment of the 60-acre Hastings project site, where the waste-to-energy facility will be constructed. The evaluation focused on the site's topography, landscaping, logistics and supporting infrastructure, including the condition of access roads and other facilities required for the successful construction and operation of the plant.

As part of the assessment, the engineers visited the Queen Elizabeth II Quay at the Freetown Port and the Jui electricity substation, both of which are considered critical components of the project's logistics and power transmission network.

Country Director of Infinitum Energy Group, Dr. Yassin Kargbo, welcomed the successful completion of the technical assessment, describing it as another significant milestone in the project's development.

Dr. Yassin Kargbo has coordinated closely with relevant Government institutions, regulatory agencies and community stakeholders since 2021 to facilitate the implementation of the project. Despite delays during the approval process, he expressed optimism that the initiative is now approaching its final stages before full implementation.

He noted that, once operational, the project will provide 30 megawatts of reliable electricity to Freetown and the Western Area while significantly improving waste collection and management, enhancing environmental sanitation and contributing to the creation of a cleaner city.

Dr. Yassin Kargbo further stated that the project is expected to create employment opportunities both at the waste-to-energy plant and across the wider waste management value chain. He added that it will also generate millions of dollars in corporate social responsibility investments to support education, healthcare, sanitation and community development initiatives.

Valued at more than US$200 million, the project is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits through infrastructure development, private sector investment and long-term sustainable energy production.

The waste-to-energy initiative has steadily progressed over the past several years and received Government approval in principle last year. According to Infinitum Energy Group, the company has fulfilled its obligations under the development process, with only the remaining contractual approvals and ratification required before construction can officially commence. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/foreign-engineers-assess-freetowns-waste-system-ahead-of-infinitum-energys-30mw-waste-to-energy/