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

Uchechukwu Stella Ezealigo, Blessing Nonye Ezealigo, Francis Kemausuor, Luke Ekem Kweku Achenie and Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
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Uchechukwu Stella Ezealigo: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja 900107, Nigeria
Blessing Nonye Ezealigo: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
Francis Kemausuor: Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK 4448-6434, Ghana
Luke Ekem Kweku Achenie: Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Azikiwe Peter Onwualu: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja 900107, Nigeria

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-21

Abstract: The bioenergy sector in Nigeria currently lacks a proper assessment of resource availability. In this study, we investigated the bioenergy potential of agricultural residues and municipal solid and liquid waste using data from 2008 to 2018, and we applied a computational and analytical approach with mild assumptions. The technical potential for the production of cellulosic ethanol and biogas was estimated from the available biomass. It was discovered that higher energy was generated from biogas than cellulosic ethanol for the same type of residue. The available crop residue technical potential of 84 Mt yielded cellulosic ethanol and biogas of 14,766 ML/yr (8 Mtoe) and 15,014 Mm 3 /yr (13 Mtoe), respectively. Biogas has diverse applications ranging from heat to electric power generation and therefore holds great potential in solving the current electricity crisis in Nigeria. It will also position the nation towards achieving the 7th sustainable development goal (SDG 7) on clean and affordable energy.

Keywords: biomass; residues; cellulosic ethanol; bioenergy potential; biogas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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