Algae Biofuel in the Nigerian Energy Context

Abstract

-The issue of energy consumption is one of the issues that have significantly become recognized as an important topic of global discourse. Fossil fuels production reportedly experiencing a gradual depletion in the oil-producing nations of the world. Most studies have relatively focused on biofuel development and adoption, however, the awareness of a prospect in the commercial cultivation of algae having potential to create economic boost in Nigeria, inspired this research. This study aims at exploring the potential of the commercialization of a different but commonly found organism, algae, in Nigeria. Here, parameters such as; water quality, light, carbon, average temperature required for the growth of algae, and additional beneficial nutrients found in algae were analysed. A comparative cum qualitative review of analysis was used as the study made use of empirical findings on the work as well as the author's deductions. The research explored the cultivation of algae with the two major seasonal differences (i.e. rainy and dry) in Nigeria as a backdrop. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the contribution of algae and other sources of biofuels as a necessity for bioenergy in Nigeria. However, for an effective sustainability of this prospect, adequate measures need to be put in place in form of funding, provision of an economically-enabling environment for the cultivation process as well as proper healthcare service in the face of possible health hazard from technological processes. Further studies can seek to expand on the potential of cultivating algae in the Harmattan season.

Towards Commercialization of Third‐Generation Biofuel Industry for Sustainable Energy Production in Nigeria

“…It was revealed that the central Guinea savanna with the tropical savanna climate type climate has the highest biomass production potential. With an annual average daily solar radiation of 3.5 kWh m -2 per day in Mthe south to 7 kWh m -2 per day in the north of the country, there is great potential for algae cultivation in Nigeria [15].…”

“…Nigeria is blessed with natural resources that are in commercial quantities such as crude oil, bitumen, coal, natural gas, and iron ore [15,16]. Crude oil is the major source of income for the country, accounting for about 80 % of its foreign earnings.…”

Bioenergy technology development in Nigeria - pathway to sustainable energy development

“…A more proactive biofuel policy is needed in order to actualise all its aims. Also, the need to include biofuel feedstock such as algae and Jatropha as second generation of biofuel in the Nigerian biofuel programme is important due to their prospects and importance on the Nigerian green economy (Elegbede and Guerrero, 2016). Moreover, range of first generation biofuels are only being produced on small scales.…”

Production of Fish Feed and Fish Oil from Waste Biomass Using Microorganisms: Overview of Methods Analyzing Resource Availability

“…While plants are affected by climate, microorganisms can be cultivated in controlled environments. Production technology also requires less space than plant based production and has higher production capacity and the highest productivity [9], [19], [51], [53], [55], [56]. Furthermore, production of SCOs and SCPs on a large scale has smaller impact on the environment and requires less space than conventional methods [9].…”