Electricity and Biofuel Production from Biomass in Nigeria: Prospects, Challenges and Way Forward

Abstract

Nigeria currently produces less energy required for uninterrupted electricity supply. This situation has led to an energy crisis that is adversely affecting every sector of the economy. An exploration of energy contributions from different sources could help address the energy crisis in Nigeria. This paper aims at promoting the commercial availability of electricity from biomass in Nigeria. The biomass potentials identified include conventional crops, agricultural residues, tertiary residues; forest residues; energy crops; grasses and aquatic weeds including algae. Conversion of biomass to bioenergy can be achieved through anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis or esterification. Although the prospects are bright, challenges facing bioenergy in Nigeria, include inadequate information on feedstock; uncomprehensive research and development capacity; poor policy formulation and implementation; poor regulatory framework, poor investment climate and poor access to technology. An integrated approach is recommended to include the establishment of Nigerian Biofuel Corporation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and a Nigerian Network on Bioenergy.

Experimental investigation of heating values and chemical compositions of selected fuel woods as bio-fuel sources in developing countries

“…Nigeria has made very little progress in the switch to renewable energy sources despite its massive population (more than 200 million) and strong agricultural production because of financial constraints and a dearth of systematic analyses of readily accessible biomass [16][17][18][19]. In Nigeria, fuelwood, crop residues, agricultural crop wastes, animal wastes, energy crops, and other biomass energy resources are all readily available and, if fully developed, will inevitably contribute to the nation's sustainable energy development, increase national income, create job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labors, and turn waste into wealth [20][21][22][23][24][25].…”

Biomass-to-power: Opportunities and challenges for Nigeria

“…The processes involved in biomass-to-power conversion require the use of specialized equipment. Most of the process equipment are not manufactured in Nigeria and only but few persons in the country can fully operate them [48]. This can be remedied by indigenous manpower development.…”

Biomass Valorization to Bioenergy: Assessment of Biomass Residues’ Availability and Bioenergy Potential in Nigeria

“…Similar to the ethanol estimation from crop residues, the cellulosic ethanol potential from wood residues was determined using Equation (7).…”

“…Therefore, there is a need to adopt green energy sources with less environmental impact that will complement the hydro-plants, thereby decreasing pollution arising from the combustion of fossil fuels. Although Nigeria has a high population (over 200 million) and agricultural production, due to economic problems and lack of proper assessment of available biomass [7], there has not been significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources.…”