Industries | BioEnergy Consult

Biomass Energy in Nigeria: An Overview

By Tamara Posibi | May 20, 2021 - 1:41 am |May 20, 2021 Biomass Energy, Electricity, Renewable Energy

Oil and gas accounts for over 70% of energy consumed in Nigeria, according to the World Bank. Considering this dependency on fossil oil and possibility of it running out in the future, there should be an urgent intervention to look into other ways to generate energy in Nigeria. The world is moving away gradually from fossil oil and aligning towards sustainable energy resources to substitute conventional fuel, Nigeria should not be exempted from this movement. Biomass, a popular form of renewable energy, is considered as a credible and green alternative source of energy which many developed and developing countries have been maximizing to its potential.

Power generation and supply have been inadequate in Nigeria. This inadequacy of power limits human, commercial and industrial productivity and economic growth . What is the use of infrastructure without constant electricity? Even God created light first. Sustainable and constant supply of power should be one of the priority of government in nation development. Investing in biomass will cause an increase in the amount of power generated in Nigeria. Infact, biomass energy has the potential to resolve the energy crisis in the country in the not so distant future.

What is Biomass

The word biomass refers to organic matter (mainly plants) which acts as a source of sustainable and renewable energy. It is a renewable energy source because the plants can be replaced as oppose to the conventional fossil fuel which is not renewable. Biomass energy is a transferred energy from the sun; plants derives energy from the sun through photosynthesis which is further transferred through the food chain to animals’ bodies and their waste.

Biomass has the potential to provide an affordable and sustainable source of energy, while at the same time help in curbing the green house effect. In India the total biomass generation capacity is 8,700 MW according to U.S. of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, whereas the generating capacity in U.S. is 20,156 MW with 178 biomass power plants, according to Biomass Magazine.

Power Sector in Nigeria

Unfortunately, the total installed electricity capacity generated in Nigeria is 12,522 MW, well below the current demand of 98,000MW . The actual output is about 3,800MW, resulting in a demand shortfall of 94,500MW throughout the country. As a result of this wide gap between demand and output, only 45% of Nigeria’s population has access to electricity. Renewable energy contributed 19% of total electricity generated in Nigeria out of which biomass contribution is infinitesimal.

Electricity generation for Nigeria’s grid is largely dominated by two sources; non-renewable thermal (natural gas and coal) and renewable (hydro). Nigeria depends on non-renewable energy despite its vast potential in renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro. The total potential of these renewables is estimated at over 68,000MW, which is more than five times the current power output.

Biomass Resources in Nigeria

Biomass can come in different forms like wood and wood waste, agriculture produce and waste, solid waste.

1. Wood

Electricity can be generated with wood and wood product/waste(like sawdust) in modern day through cogeneration, gasification or pyrolysis.

2. Agriculture Residues

In Nigeria, agricultural residues are highly important sources of biomass fuels for both the domestic and industrial sectors. Availability of primary residues for energy application is usually low since collection is difficult and they have other uses as fertilizer, animal feed etc.

However secondary residues are usually available in relatively large quantities at the processing site and may be used as captive energy source for the same processing plant involving minimal transportation and handling cost.

3. Municipal Solid Waste

Back then in secondary school, I learnt that gas could be tapped from septic tank which could further be used for cooking. Any organic waste (like animal waste, human waste) when decomposed by anaerobic microorganisms releases biogas which can be tapped and stored for either cooking or to generate electricity.

Biomass can be used to provide heat and electricity as well as biofuel and biogas for transport. There are enough biomass capacity to meet our demand for electricity and other purposes. From climatic point of view, there is a warm climate in Nigeria which is a good breeding ground for bacteria to grow and decompose the wastes. There are plant and animal growth all year round which in turn create waste and consequently produce biomass.

In November 2016, The Ebonyi State Government took over the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) demonstration biomass gasifier power plant located at the UNIDO Mini -industrial cluster in Ekwashi Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State. The power plant is to generate 5.5 Megawatt energy using rice husk and other available waste materials available. More of these type of power plants and commitment are needed to utilize the potential of biomass fully.

Why Biomass Energy?

Since biomass makes use of waste to supply energy, it helps in waste management. It also has the potential to supply more energy (10 times) than the one produced from sun and wind. Biomass energy in Nigeria will lead to increase in revenue generation and conserves our foreign exchange. Increase in energy generation will yield more productivity for industries and the rate at which they are shutting down due to the fact that they spend more on power will be reduced to minimal.

Many local factories/companies will spring up and foreign investors will be eager to invest in Nigeria with little concern about power. Establishment of biopower plants will surely create more jobs and indirectly reduce the number of people living in poverty which is increasing everyday at an alarming rate.

Africa’s most populous country needs more than 10 times its current electricity output to guarantee supply for its 198 million people – nearly half of whom have no access at all, according to power minister Babatunde Fashola. Biomass energy potential in Nigeria is promising – with heavy investment, stake holder cooperation and development of indigenous technologies. The deployment of large-scale biomass energy systems will not only significantly increase Nigeria’s electricity capacity but also ease power shortages in the country.

How Various Industries Get Ahead in 2021

By Salman Zafar | May 1, 2021 - 10:19 am |May 8, 2021 Business, Construction, Food, Industry, Technology

On the topic of the construction industry

Contracting and construction rely on project management and preparation to get ahead. Aside from trying to get the attention of potential clients through marketing, the important thing is to let clients know all about the developments that litter a construction project. That is what separates quality contractors from those simply trying to stay afloat.

For project management, it would be wise to make use of business software to help deal with the many steps involved in a construction project. It is also priority number one to deal with any issues regarding insurance and coverage, going for construction liability insurance and all other policies tied to construction as soon as possible.

For any new company dabbling in the IT industry

It can seem almost unfair to expect a new business to have a fully functional IT department right from the get-go — especially when budgetary constraints are a big problem. IT services are not the kind of thing that startups can handle overnight, though there are some surprisingly excellent alternatives.

For example, the choice to outsource IT managed services is practically mandatory for most companies, as there are plenty of businesses out there willing to offer quality services for a reasonable price. You can get plenty of traction with outsourcing your IT services, as it means that your company utilizes the experience of a much more competent business right off the bat.

How restaurants get ahead

For the most part, getting ahead as a restaurant in 2021 has more to do with accessibility than just about everything else. For example, those with food allergies will likely avoid restaurants without any healthier alternatives — but it also means that their families will do the same.

You lose out on much of the potential revenue without prioritizing accessibility, and the fact that it’s so easy to add alternative ingredients to recipes makes it a no-brainer for most. Customer service is another thing to take seriously, as a great experience ensures that customers will be back, and perhaps with even more people!

Getting ahead in various industries tends to have a few similarities, such as with matters of insurance and the focus on customer service. That said, there are more than a few factors that startup owners of various companies should use to get a leg up on the competition. A bit of insight goes a long way!

Data Science: The New Emergence

By Salman Zafar | August 22, 2020 - 9:58 am |May 8, 2021 Careers, Technology

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Data science is a new kind of field which has a great significance in your life and has a role in making a decision of your own choice. Most of the well-established companies are adopting data science and making it a cornerstone of their success. As the name suggests this field deals with data. Data here refers to the grouped information of people’s choice, need, liking etc. It’s the work of the data scientist to make that messy data useful and productive.

Making of a data scientist

Data scientist is a combination of computer engineer and statistician. Extraction of data needs great knowledge of computing and for handling them, we need Statistics and Probability. In this field knowledge is guided by logic and your multiple personal capability. All these traits and features makes it a dream job.

Role of data science in industries

They play a major role in making the company’s economy. It gives direction to the company’s next move or product. It makes the strategy more effective and productive, leading to better outcomes. As the internet world is developing with great rates, the demand for data scientists will increase.

Entering into the world of data science these are the things you should know

There are many online courses available on the internet, but the best ones are premium. Before entering in those courses, you should consider the following advice

Be prepared before entering the courses. You should not go for data science courses with an empty head, as it will be just a waste of time. You should carry basic knowledge of statistics and computer science.
Choosing the best course. There are many courses on the internet, but picking the best one saves money and time. If you want to make the course more effective you should choose the one which provides you with regular tasks.
Making the course more productive. While taking the course you should keep testing your knowledge by molding your life into that of a data scientist, and start thinking like a data scientist and solve the problems of data science. You could read articles and news related to data science. You could search for recent issues of data science.

Learning computer science doesn’t mean the basics, it involves learning networks and the most important coding or programming. Before involving yourself in data science courses you should learn computer language and become a programming master. Language like Python and R will make your course successful. If you are insanely good with these things, then you deserve to be a data scientist.

Data science course is the future of the IT world, as the new emerging technology is based on data science. That technology is A.I (Artificial Intelligence). This the most broad and wide technology ever. It has many subparts, but the major one is Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Data Mining. A.I will be shaping the future of the world, so involving is a great moral move.

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Role of Environmental Engineering in Continuous Environmental Improvement

By Salman Zafar | August 4, 2020 - 3:11 pm |August 4, 2020 Careers, Environment, Green

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Learn more from here to see how the world has changed over the years. Obviously, the world is developing at a rapid pace. Infrastructures are built day by day to meet the demands of a fast-changing and evolving world. Every single day gives birth to a new technological advancement.

Unfortunately, as industries become technologically advanced and globally competitive, they forget about the environment. As companies join in the rat race, they focus more on the competition for being the best. However, they fail to pay close attention to the environmental damage they incur along the process.

As the environment greatly suffers from these companies’ negligence and irresponsibility, environmental engineering is in place to solve the damages. Different systems and processes are in place to counter the harmful effects of pollution brought about by factories, plants, manufacturing complexes and the likes.

Learn more from here to know what Environmental Engineering is all about

What is Environmental Engineering?

According to Live Science, Environmental Engineering is a branch of engineering which mainly deals with protection of people from dangerous environmental effects. These effects are contributed by pollution which decreases environmental quality altogether.

Environmental Engineering is especially omnipresent and essential especially in developing countries with poor sanitation and garbage disposal. As such, environmental engineering also contributes to the overall health and safety conditions of an entire population. With proper sanitation and waste disposal treatment, people somehow live a more conducive and safer lives.

AI-based waste management systems can help in route optimization and waste disposal

With the help of environmental engineers, proper waste disposal and recycling initiatives are reinforced. They are also in charge of public health and water and air pollution control. They ensure that pollution levels are in check. They do so by constantly formulating environmental strategies and processes which take thorough testing before implementation.

What are the benefits of Environmental Engineering?

Aside from the improvement of health and safety conditions of people, environmental engineering significantly helps in controlling climate change. According to Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering also deals with the potential effects of climate change and other environmental infrastructure factors.

As per AECOM, Environmental engineering makes use of analytical skills to provide strategic direction particularly for sustainability initiatives. Such initiatives deal with low-carbon generation of energy. Environmental engineering also paves the way for development of new technologies to minimise carbon footprint.

With the help of environmental engineers, they develop solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells. These tools aim to increase the efficiency of manufacturing. With better use of alternative energy sources, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions are reduced.

What is the future of Environmental Engineering?

With the help of engineers, environmental engineering shall continue to aid in continuous environmental improvement. Different environmental engineering companies also painstakingly improve their offered services to improve the following:

Garbage disposal
Water treatment
Energy efficiency
Use of alternative energy sources
Reduction of emissions with solvents
Process survey and evaluations

As Environmental Engineering improves these services one step at a time, people are guaranteed a better quality of life. New scientific discoveries pave the way to further the improvement of different environmental processes in place. Engineers are quick to adapt to changes, especially those that are geared towards improving the environment.

Is Environmental Engineering the answer to environmental decline?

The environment has significantly been damaged as one gets to learn more from here. Environmental Engineering takes the cue from this obvious problem. Thanks to the tireless work of experts and practitioners, we are assured that something is always brewing to make things right.

However, it is important to note that no matter what advances are in place, the environment shall continue to deteriorate if discipline is not practiced. Think of Environmental Engineering as delaying the effects. It is not the solution to the worsening global environmental condition. It all depends on the discipline, commitment and environmental awareness of each and every citizen of this planet.

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