Lagos to power public buses with biogas following CPCS study
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that they intend to power their high-capacity buses with biogas to replace fossil fuel for public transportation in Lagos. To that end, LAMATA will work with the Lagos State Government to develop the entire value chain necessary to produce and distribute biogas.
CPCS is an infrastructure advisor specializing in the decarbonization of transportation and infrastructure worldwide.
Key points
- The study: CPCS led the biofuel study funded by Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution
- Its purpose: The study looked at the technical, economic, financial, legal, environmental and social feasibility of powering Lagos’s high-capacity buses with biofuel to replace the current fossil fuel sources and lower emissions. As part of the study, CPCS analyzed the potential of different types of biofuels, landing on biogas as the recommended biofuel option for the Lagos environment.
- The big picture: The Lagos State Government’s goal is achieving net zero emissions by 2050
Driving the news
The announcement revealed that on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the findings of a comprehensive analysis on the assessment and feasibility study of alternative fuels for public transportation were presented to industry stakeholders and government officials including the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, and the Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
This study identified biogas as the most beneficial alternative fuel for Lagos’s public transportation system given the opportunities and constraints of the context.
The report detailed various feedstock sources for biogas production, including sewage from treatment facilities, organic waste from households and markets, slaughterhouse waste, and animal manure. It also outlined the key stages of the project: feedstock acquisition, transportation, storage, processing, biogas production, and distribution to the public bus system.
CPCS highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of developing a biogas value chain in Lagos State to power Lagos’ high-capacity buses. The use of biogas represents a good first step for Lagos, and it sets a precedent for other megacities facing similar challenges.
Greener public transport advisory services
CPCS has more than 30 years of transport sector consulting expertise in emerging markets, with a specialization in urban transport planning and public transit projects.
Experience in alternative fuel sources in the transport sector: CPCS advises various transport sector stakeholders around the world on the use of alternative fuel sources, including:
- Cameroon: Due diligence of 76-megawatt biomass portfolio
- Mauritania: Financial advisory for a biogas waste management project
- United Kingdom: Hydrogen market review and feasibility study for rail
- Canada: Challenges and opportunities for deployment of low carbon marine fuels
- Canada: Study on liquified natural gas for marine sector
Related content:
- CPCS delivers public transit, climate resilience and adaptation report for CSA Group
- On the road to hydrogen-powered transportation
- Climate-resilient public transit: why and how? CPCS explains.
