Biomass utilization for energy production in Nigeria: A review
Chukwuebuka C. Okafor, Chinelo A. Nzekwe, Charles C. Ajaero, Juliet C. Ibekwe, Festus A. Otunomo
Abstract
Affordable and clean energy is critical to achieving the UN SDGs. Fossils accounts for the major source of energy in Nigeria. Their combustion lead to GHG emissions and climate change. Accordingly, the emphasis on transition to renewable energy. This study carried out a systematic review to identify how biomass energy recovery has progressed; and the major themes driving the field in Nigeria. The challenges facing utilization of biomass for energy production were also identified. Using relevant Boolean-operator keywords, search was conducted on SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases. Established inclusion and exclusion criteria were used in selecting suitable literature. The result shows research on biomass energy recovery has increased greatly since 2012. Climate change and environmental concerns, energy diversification, energy access, waste management, municipal solid waste, agricultural residues and policies are the themes driving biomass valorization for energy recovery in Nigeria. The challenges facing adoption of biofuels in Nigeria include poor waste management; resource considerations, lack of comparative economic and market advantages, technology and technical limitations and inconsistent policies. The MSW generated by the urban population of Nigeria is estimated to grow from 20.5 million tons (Mt) to 34.5 Mt from 2020 to 2040. More than 50% of the MSW are organics which are suitable for energy valorization. energy potential from crop residues based on annual crop production ranged from 1.28 TJ (for coconut shells) to 305 TJ for sorghum stalk. Some of the most studied thirteen crop residues are those of cassava, maize, sorghum, oil palm tree and others. Energy potential from crop residues based on crop production ranged from 1.28 TJ for coconut shells to 305 TJ for sorghum stalk. Effort should be on developing Nigeria agriculture and waste management system. The issue of fuel subsidies should also be addressed so as to create competitive business environment that will make renewable energy ventures attractive.