Bioenergy potential from crop residue biomass resources in Ethiopia

Abstract

Using crop statistics (2020–21), publicly accessible data, standard procedures and literature, this study estimates the bioenergy potential of crop biomass residues in all regions of Ethiopia. The assessment considered 44 different types of residues from 30 different crops grown in Ethiopia. The country generates 69 569–105 522 kt y−1 gross crop residue biomass, of which 42 621–72 194 kt y−1 (or 61–68% of gross) are estimated as recoverable for bioenergy production. Amongst all the eleven regions, Oromia produces the highest amount of recoverable crop residue (45%) at region level. Cereals produce the highest recoverable crop residue (80%), followed by fruit crops (8%). Maize (36%) and sorghum (29%) are the two crops that produce the highest recoverable residue amongst all the crops. The estimated 559–1144 PJ y−1 bioenergy potential for Ethiopia from recoverable crop residue varies by region and ranges from 0,15 to 0,37 PJ y−1 (Afar) to 254–521 PJ y−1 (Oromia). Decentralized energy planning using crop residues in Ethiopian regions is expected to benefit from the produced data, which will help the country's overall growth in renewable energy. Biological and thermo-chemical conversion systems that are now in various stages of demonstration, commercialization, development, and research can convert biomass into energy. Performing research and development, establishing a database for local biomass resources, and developing a unified bioenergy unit and policy with all stakeholder's participation and engagement are all critical aspects of Ethiopia's sustainable bioenergy sector. Furthermore, value chain analysis of biomass feedstock, capacity building and awareness creation, and decentralized models development are all important for the country's bioenergy development.