Bioenergy Potential of Under-Utilized Solid Waste Residues from Oil Palm Mills in Nigeria

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.