Unlocking Low-Emission Energy from Waste: A Sustainable Solution for Shipping and Fisheries in Emerging Economies

Developing countries' port regions have a unique opportunity to advance climate action and sustainable development by improving sanitation infrastructure and decarbonizing the maritime sector through biofuel production. A systems approach, using waste-to-energy technologies, can treat municipal waste to produce biomethane, a low-emission fuel suitable for shipping and fishing vessels. This bio-LNG fuel could replace fossil fuels, supporting the International Maritime Organization’s goal of net-zero emissions in international shipping by 2050, while also addressing health risks from poor waste management. Drawing from projects in Brazil and Europe, this approach, as shown by a case study in Lagos, Nigeria, highlights the potential for biofuel production in the Gulf of Guinea, promoting both clean energy and economic growth.

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