Generating Electricity from Biomass in Nigeria

Though Nigeria has a proven gas reserve and hydro generation potential, both of which can be harnessed to increase access to electricity, factors such as destruction of gas pipe lines, and transmission lines has continued to militate against increased access to electricity and ensure national spread.

I have been all over Nigeria and I can safely say that less that 50 percent of her 774 local governments are connected to the National grid and those connected receive less that 8 hours constant electricity in a day(on the average). This situation has led to a sharp decline in industrial and commercial activities and a significant increase in unemployment. Industries that manage to remain afloat are doing so with the power of generators. The cost of fueling these generators has led to a sharp increase in the prices of goods and services.

Things are really bad especially as the average income is less than two Dollars per day. Industries and business activities, it appears, is doomed to erratic power supply.

Generating Electricity from Biomass

The very nature of this technology would allow every of the 774 local governments in Nigeria to generate electricity using Biomass fuel. Why? Because BIOMASS IS EVERYWHERE!!

Unlike the uneven distribution of gas reserve and hydro systems which has led to the construction of thousands of miles of gas pipelines and transmission lines, majority of which gets vandalized, electricity from Biomass can be generated anywhere, anytime.

Biomass is a term which covers fuels derived from plants, trees, agricultural and food processing wastes etc. Now, given the power of these to regenerate, Biomass is considered a renewable energy. In other words, there is no fear of depletion at source.

The technology of Biomass gasification or pyrolysis system, allows Biomass to be converted into gas that can fuel generators or combustion turbines anywhere, anytime.For example if wood is heated up in an air tight containment, useful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane can be derived.A common descriptive term for these gases is what is popularly called WOOD GAS.This gas is gotten from wood,via a producer gas generator through a not too complex piping that feeds an internal combustion engine.The residue of wood gasification..Biochar is of great benefit. Its application to soil allows for better harvesting which ensures food security….in a nation in dire need of revamping the agricultural sector. The technology is environmentally friendly as Biochar, its residue, when applied to the soil, allows for carbon sequestration, which helps combat global warming.

Increasing our generation and meeting up with our required capacity would bring life back to the industrial sector, increase employment significantly and put the country on the tract to greatness. Please help my country by supporting and endorsing this idea.

Clement Aigbogun

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