São Tomé and Príncipe Waste Management and Energy Project

Location: São Tomé and Príncipe
Status: In progress (MOU signed in 2024, land secured)
Timeline: 2024 - Ongoing

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Overview:
The Intereko Energia STP project is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing waste management and energy needs in São Tomé and Príncipe. After the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Environment in 2024, the project has secured land and is preparing for the next phase of infrastructure development. This project is essential in building a more sustainable waste management system and producing renewable energy to support the island’s future energy requirements.

Current Status:
    •    MOU Signed in 2024: A formal partnership between Intereko Energia STP and the Ministry of Environment was established, setting the stage for project implementation.
    •    Land Secured: The site for the project has been secured, ready for the construction of waste management and energy recovery infrastructure.
    •    Planning Phase: Detailed project planning is underway, with the start of construction scheduled for later this year.

• Objectives
• Technologies Planned
• Key Milestones
• Environmental and Economic Impact

• Modern Waste Management: Establish a comprehensive waste collection, sorting, and recycling system to reduce landfill usage and recover valuable materials.
• Energy Recovery: Implement waste-to-energy solutions that will convert municipal waste into clean, renewable energy, supporting São Tomé and Príncipe’s energy grid.
• Community Engagement: Actively involve local communities through education on sustainable practices, while also providing economic opportunities through job creation.

• Waste Sorting Facility: Equipped with modern technology for sorting and processing recyclable materials to reduce waste.
• Waste-to-Energy Plant: The project will include a facility that converts waste into renewable energy, reducing the country’s reliance on imported fuels.
• Biochar Production: Organic waste will be converted into biochar, which will serve as a sustainable fuel alternative and improve soil health for local agriculture.

• 2024: Signing of the MOU and securing the project site.
• 2024 (Q4): Planned commencement of infrastructure development, including the construction of waste processing facilities.
• 2025 (Planned): Full operation of the waste-to-energy and recycling systems, delivering clean energy and reducing landfill waste.

• Waste Reduction: Significant reduction of waste sent to landfills, contributing to cleaner environments and lower pollution levels.
• Renewable Energy Generation: The waste-to-energy facility will generate renewable electricity, supporting local energy needs and reducing fossil fuel imports.
• Job Creation: Creation of numerous jobs in the green economy, including roles in waste management, recycling, and energy production.

Next Steps:

• Infrastructure Construction: The project will soon enter the construction phase, where waste sorting and energy recovery facilities will be built.​
• Community Programs: Local education initiatives will be launched to engage the public in sustainability efforts and highlight the benefits of the project.

Positive Impact on São Tomé and Príncipe

This project will bring a lasting, positive impact to São Tomé and Príncipe, both environmentally and economically. By reducing the environmental burden of waste and producing renewable energy, we are helping to protect the island’s unique ecosystems and improving public health by minimizing pollution. The project also strengthens local resilience by promoting energy independence, creating new employment opportunities, and driving sustainable development.

For the community, this project means cleaner neighborhoods, better access to sustainable energy, and educational initiatives that empower individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices. For the country, it lays the groundwork for long-term economic growth by fostering a green economy and positioning São Tomé and Príncipe as a regional leader in sustainability efforts.