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Link枚ping University has the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), which coordinates Swedish research on production and distribution of biogas.

The visiting delegation included representatives from both Business Sweden and the vehicle manufacturer Scania, along with delegates from Nigeria's transport and environment ministries. Officials from Nigeria's largest city, Lagos, which has 22 million inhabitants, were also present.

鈥淟agos is a very large city. We generate 15,000 tons of waste daily. Half of it is organic material that is then landfilled, composted, and releases greenhouse gases. We want to produce biogas to power our buses and refuse trucks. What I have seen in Link枚ping is fantastic. It gives me confidence. We can achieve this in Lagos鈥�, says Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, head of waste management in Lagos.

When can you begin?
鈥淲e are about two years away from doing it. We need to act swiftly and learn from the world鈥檚 leading experts on this technology鈥�, he says.

Mats Eklund, professor at Link枚ping University and the director of Biogas Solutions Research Center, guided the group to various sites in Link枚ping. This included the biogas station in M枚rtl枚sa and the depot for Link枚ping's public transport, where buses powered by biogas, biodiesel, and electricity are refuelled and serviced.

鈥淚t was a very interesting meeting with people who asked very knowledgeable and relevant questions about biogas production, but also about other solutions such as biodiesel and the electrification of public transport鈥�, says Mats Eklund.

鈥淚t can only be a win-win for the climate!鈥�

The questions varied, from different technical conditions, technical lifespan, and operation, to how long it takes to refuel a biogas bus. Abimbola Akinajo is the CEO of Lagos鈥檚 transport authority. She describes how the city's public transport buses are diesel-powered, which results in significant emissions. At the same time, fossil fuel prices are very high in Nigeria.

Ambimbola Akinajo was impressed by the biogas production in Link枚ping.

鈥淲e also have many small buses, which is not efficient. Initially, we can reduce emissions simply by having fewer, but larger, buses. This transition gives us an opportunity to change fuel. We can clean up, get rid of the waste. We will have fewer buses on the streets, but they will be powered by biogas. It can only be a win-win for the climate!鈥�

Nigeria is seeking partnerships between states, within the scientific community, and in the business sector. Fran莽ois LeChat, head of Scania West Africa, was also present:

鈥淏iogas is important in our region. It can help in many ways. Both to power vehicles and to produce electricity, which is in short supply. It is part of our strategy to not just sell vehicles; we must consider sustainability and a cleaner use of our products鈥�, he says.

Mats Eklund is pleased with the meeting:
鈥淚t is inspiring for us Swedish researchers to see such great interest. Biogas technology is growing, but it can already, along with other energy sources, help reduce fossil fuels and at the same time solve other environmental problems鈥�.