Reppie Waste-to-Energy Facility

underperforming

The Reppie waste-to-energy facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, opened in 2018, aimed to process 1,400 tons of municipal solid waste per day to redirect waste from the Koshe landfill. However, it has been operating at less than half capacity, processing only 396 to 650 tons per day, resulting in lower electricity output and continued dependence on the landfill. The project cost US$120 million and has an annual operating cost of US$5.2 million. The facility faces issues due to a mismatch between imported incineration technology and the predominantly organic, high-moisture waste streams in Ethiopia and Africa. It also produces toxic ash daily and has social impacts including income loss for informal waste pickers and unfulfilled job creation promises.