In a landmark achievement under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Suthra Punjab – Waste to Value Project,” Punjab has successfully produced biogas from animal waste for the first time.
According to a Punjab government spokesperson, biodegradable animal waste collected from Lahore’s Lakhodair area was used in a pilot trial that generated between 20,000 to 25,000 kilograms of biogas from 1,000 metric tons of sacrificial animal offal.
Launched with minimal investment, the project is expected to generate revenue of Rs6 to 7 million. Encouraged by the success of the trial, the government is now planning a 50-megawatt waste-to-energy plant that will convert 3,000 tons of waste into electricity each day.
The Lakhodair landfill gas project is projected to generate $2.5 million in revenue over the next ten years. Additionally, the model recycling park is estimated to contribute Rs190 million annually, while the restoration of the Lakhodair disposal site is expected to yield 275,000 tons of carbon credits, bringing in an estimated $4.2 million.
To further support innovation, a Waste-to-Value Incubation Centre will be established, offering seed funding, technical assistance, and research opportunities to the youth.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif lauded the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) for its effective execution of the initiative, marking a significant step towards sustainable waste management and clean energy generation in Punjab.