Abstract
This study estimated bioelectricity potentials of under-utilized oil palm processing solid wastes (chaff, empty fruit bunch, palm press fibre and palm kernel shell) in Nigeria. The potential challenges of bio-power production from these solid wastes were also evaluated. Quantitative approach was employed for data generation. Historical data study of oil palm growth rate between 2004 to 2013 was used and projections at three scenarios (high, low and current status) were made. The findings showed that bioelectricity from total possible gatherable under-utilized oil palm processing solid wastes in Nigeria were 3.234 to 5.175 MWh in 2004, which could have reached 3.796 to 6.073 MWh in 2013. Based on projections at high, low and current growth rate scenarios, 5.728 to 9.165 MWh (high growth rate), 4.720 to 7.536 MWh (low growth rate) and 4.242 to 6.787 MWh (current growth rate) of electricity at efficiency of 80% (for combustion), 65% (for pyrolysis) and 50% (for gasification) could be achieved by 2029. After considering all the challenges associated with each type of conversion process, only 40% of these values are attainable. The study identified technological, policy/political and economic framework as potential challenge of bioelectricity generation in Nigeria. Hence the study concludes by suggesting means of overcoming the hurdles under Nigeria setting.
Highlights
The demand for fossil energy has been increasing over the years due to industrialization [1], growth in global population and economical activities [2]
The total estimated utilized and underutilized potential energy content of oil palm processing solid wastes including chaff, empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm kernel shell (PKS) and palm press fibre (PPF) in Nigeria was modified from Izah et al [23] and the ratio of utilized to under-utilized was computed
The total estimated potential energy from under-utilized and projected oil palm processing solid wastes (EFB, PPF, PKS and chaff) in Nigeria are presented in Figure 1 and 2 respectively
Summary
The demand for fossil energy has been increasing over the years due to industrialization [1], growth in global population and economical activities [2]. Energy is basically used in all sectors of any nation’s economy such as agriculture, industries, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation. The demand for energy is met mostly by fossil fuels (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gases). Atadashi et al [3], Escobar et al [4] reported that petroleum products are mostly utilized energy sources especially in the transportation sector. High price and adverse environmental impacts of conventional fuels have made the biofuels production to reach unparalleled extent [5, 6]. Patel [7] noted that bioenergy derived from biomass is a promising energy alternative that can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated from non-renewable fuels
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