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article · JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE MATERIALS

Nigerian Biomass for Bioenergy Applications: A Review on the Potential and Challenges

202317 citationsOpen access

In plain language

Nigeria possesses abundant biomass resources, largely consisting of agricultural waste produced annually in high volumes. Currently, much of this organic waste is discarded or burned inefficiently, leading to notable environmental and ecological harm. Converting these materials into bioenergy offers a method to decrease pollution while turning waste into valuable assets. This review assesses the existing state of biomass utilisation for energy in Nigeria alongside the key bottlenecks hindering broad adoption. It highlights the economic and ecological benefits of biomass over standard waste handling, noting its attractiveness as an industrial alternative given the high cost of fossil fuels. Synthesising relevant English-language scientific literature on agricultural waste and energy values, the review outlines strategic approaches to address adoption barriers and guide the selection of biomass feedstocks for biofuel production.

Key takeaways

  • Nigeria produces substantial quantities of agricultural biomass annually that are largely discarded or burned inefficiently.
  • Converting agricultural waste into bioenergy presents both economic and ecological benefits over traditional waste disposal practices.
  • Biomass offers an attractive alternative industrial fuel source in Nigeria in light of high fossil fuel costs.
  • Several critical bottlenecks currently impede the widespread adoption of biomass for bioenergy generation in the country.

Why it matters

Inefficient burning and disposal of agricultural waste cause substantial environmental harm. Using these readily available waste materials for bioenergy can cut industrial reliance on expensive fossil fuels, reduce pollution, and convert neglected resources into sustainable energy across Nigeria.

Commercialisation angle

This work informs industrial players and green energy developers evaluating feedstock options for biofuel and industrial fuel production. Because the findings are drawn from a literature review of challenges, opportunities, and calorific values, the research operates at an analytical and strategic guidance stage rather than presenting a directly validated technology or prototype.

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Abstract

Nigeria, often referred to as “the giant of Africa,” boasts a sizable population, a thriving economy, and abundant energy resources. Nevertheless, Nigeria has yet to fully harness its renewable energy potential, despite its enormous capacity in this field. The goal of this review paper is to thoroughly examine the difficulties and untapped opportunities in utilizing biomass for bioenergy production in Nigeria. Notably, Nigeria generates substantial volumes of biomass annually, primarily in the form of agricultural waste, which is often either discarded or burned inefficiently, resulting in significant ecological and environmental damage. Therefore, an efficient approach to reducing pollution and transforming waste into wealth involves converting these biomass resources into energy. This work critically examines the status of biomass utilization for energy applications in Nigeria and highlights the bottlenecks that impede its widespread adoption. The review emphasizes the economic and ecological advantages of biomass utilization over traditional waste treatment methods. Additionally, it underscores the appeal of biomass as an industrial fuel source, particularly considering the current high cost of fossil fuels in contemporary Nigeria. Relevant literature on biomass, energy, agricultural waste, fossil fuel, and calorific value in the context of Nigeria was reviewed by utilizing a thorough search technique in key scientific databases. The analysis did not include any non-English publications. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the challenges faced in maximizing Nigeria’s biomass potential and offer strategic recommendations to promote the use of biomass for bioenergy development. This review paper will assist a wide range of local and international readers, as well as industries interested in green and bioenergy, in making informed decisions regarding the most suitable types of biomass for biofuel production.

Research topics

  • Energy and Environment Impacts

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DOI: 10.32604/jrm.2023.043915

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