An Overview of Biomass Conversion Technologies in Nigeria

In Nigeria, maintaining steady power supply to the teeming population of over 200 million people has become a challenge. The country stands to be the most populous and yet having the highest economy in the African region. The present electricity generation capacity of 12,552 MW is not enough to cater for the rural and urban dwellers, and this constitutes a great challenge to the country’s development. As such there is a need for sustainable and clean energy to cater for the ever increasing energy demand. In this regard, this chapter looks into the available biomass conversion techniques in the country, their technology levels and the benefits of adopting biofuel technology. It further dwells on the challenges impeding their implementation which include lack of workable policies, research funding, public awareness and loan and incentive schemes. The chapter provides recommendations to address the issues through proper policy and framework, research, training and development, public enlightenment and award of loans. The study identifies anaerobic digestion as the most promising conversion technology in the Nigerian scenario for a clean and sustainable energy although other processes like gasification and pyrolysis are also promising.