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Biofuels in Nigeria: A critical and strategic evaluation

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  • Ishola, Mofoluwake M.
  • Brandberg, Tomas
  • Sanni, Sikiru A.
  • Taherzadeh, Mohammad J.

Abstract

Nigeria is among the World’s 10 most important exporters of petroleum, but has several difficulties in its domestic energy situation. Power outages are frequent in the cities and 49% of the population has no access to electricity at all. The use of fossil fuels and firewood causes many environmental problems and the population increase in combination with a growing economy results in unmanageable amounts of waste in the cities. The use of biofuels has the potential to alleviate some of these problems and this review aims at evaluating the situation regarding biofuel production in Nigeria through literature studies and contacts. It was found that in spite of good geographic conditions and high investment in biofuel production, progress has been slow. The Nigerian sugarcane sector does not yet satisfy the domestic demand for sugar, while large-scale sugarcane-based ethanol production seems distant. Ethanol production from cassava would require input of energy and enzymes and would probably be too expensive. Sweet sorghum, which is relatively easy to process into bioethanol, has some advantages in a Nigerian context, being widely cultivated. Biodiesel production runs the risk of becoming controversial if edible crops currently being imported would be used. Jatropha curcas (non-edible) is an interesting crop for biodiesel production but the complete life cycle of this process should be further analyzed. The biofuel concept, which would bring the most immediate benefits, is probably biogas production from waste. It requires no irrigation or input of land and also provides a cleaner environment. Besides it would reduce the widespread use of firewood and produce fertilizer.

Suggested Citation

  • Ishola, Mofoluwake M. & Brandberg, Tomas & Sanni, Sikiru A. & Taherzadeh, Mohammad J., 2013. "Biofuels in Nigeria: A critical and strategic evaluation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 554-560.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:55:y:2013:i:c:p:554-560
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2012.12.021
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    5. Okey Francis Obi & Temitope Olumide Olugbade & Joseph Ifeolu Orisaleye & Ralf Pecenka, 2023. "Solid Biofuel Production from Biomass: Technologies, Challenges, and Opportunities for Its Commercial Production in Nigeria," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-22, December.
    6. de Barros, Marisa Maia & Szklo, Alexandre, 2015. "Petroleum refining flexibility and cost to address the risk of ethanol supply disruptions: The case of Brazil," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 20-31.
    7. Shehu, Basiru Gwandu & Clarke, Michèle L., 2020. "Successful and sustainable crop based biodiesel programme in Nigeria through ecological optimisation and intersectoral policy realignment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    8. Abila, Nelson, 2014. "Biofuels adoption in Nigeria: Attaining a balance in the food, fuel, feed and fibre objectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 347-355.
    9. Ben-Iwo, Juliet & Manovic, Vasilije & Longhurst, Philip, 2016. "Biomass resources and biofuels potential for the production of transportation fuels in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 172-192.
    10. Giwa, Adewale & Alabi, Adetunji & Yusuf, Ahmed & Olukan, Tuza, 2017. "A comprehensive review on biomass and solar energy for sustainable energy generation in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 620-641.
    11. Dick, Ndukwe Agbai & Wilson, Paul, 2018. "Analysis of the inherent energy-food dilemma of the Nigerian biofuels policy using partial equilibrium model: The Nigerian Energy-Food Model (NEFM)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 500-514.
    12. Sheriff, S. Abdul & Kumar, Indrala Kishan & Mandhatha, Petluri Sai & Jambal, Samraj Sunder & Sellappan, Raja & Ashok, B. & Nanthagopal, K., 2020. "Emission reduction in CI engine using biofuel reformulation strategies through nano additives for atmospheric air quality improvement," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 2295-2308.
    13. Uchechukwu Stella Ezealigo & Blessing Nonye Ezealigo & Francis Kemausuor & Luke Ekem Kweku Achenie & Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, 2021. "Biomass Valorization to Bioenergy: Assessment of Biomass Residues’ Availability and Bioenergy Potential in Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-21, December.
    14. Iyabo Adeola Olanrele & Adedoyin I. Lawal & Ezekiel Oseni & Ahmed Oluwatobi Adekunle & Bukola, B. Lawal-Adedoyin & Crystal O. Elleke & Racheal Ojeka-John & Henry Nweke-Love, 2020. "Accessing the Impacts of Contemporary Development in Biofuel on Agriculture, Energy and Domestic Economy: Evidence from Nigeria," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 10(5), pages 469-478.
    15. Ozoegwu, C.G. & Mgbemene, C.A. & Ozor, P.A., 2017. "The status of solar energy integration and policy in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 457-471.
    16. Arora, Richa & Behera, Shuvashish & Kumar, Sachin, 2015. "Bioprospecting thermophilic/thermotolerant microbes for production of lignocellulosic ethanol: A future perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 699-717.
    17. Lin, Boqiang & Ankrah, Isaac, 2019. "On Nigeria's renewable energy program: Examining the effectiveness, substitution potential, and the impact on national output," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 1181-1193.
    18. Aliyu, Abubakar Sadiq & Dada, Joseph O. & Adam, Ibrahim Khalil, 2015. "Current status and future prospects of renewable energy in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 336-346.

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