Let’s try biomass as source of energy

Biomass which can be generated from homes, agricultural farms,  forests, industries, etc are sometimes classified as waste material and disposed off. Sadly, they are disposed in a manner that constitutes public health and environmental nuisance to mankind. The fact that there is need to reduce the amount of waste being generated is no longer new. […]

Biomass which can be generated from homes, agricultural farms,  forests, industries, etc are sometimes classified as waste material and disposed off. Sadly, they are disposed in a manner that constitutes public health and environmental nuisance to mankind. The fact that there is need to reduce the amount of waste being generated is no longer new. What is relevant now is how to convert this waste into valuable uses like generation of energy. This will not only generate energy but will reduce the quantity of waste that requires final disposal.

Agricultural residues provide a good source of biomass for energy generation. Nigerian farmers produce large quantities of crop residues which in most cases are not put to maximum use. Rice husk, sugar cane fibre, coconut husk and coconut shells are common agricultural residues that will readily serve as sources for biomass energy. Nigerian farmers usually burn these residues and allow farm animals to graze them or plough them back into the soil. However, some portions of these residues can be set aside and processed into liquid fuels which will be used to provide heat and electricity. Animal wastes are also a good source of biomass energy. Animal and poultry manures are easily available sources of biomass for energy generation. 

There are different pathways through which biomass can be converted to energy. One such pathway is thermo-chemical conversion. Thermo-chemical conversion can only be used to create energy when heat recovery is involved. Heat recovered from the combustion of biomass is then used to power turbines for electricity generation or for direct water heating. Another pathway for converting biomass into energy is biochemical conversion. It is used when the biomass has a high percentage of organic biodegradable matter and high moisture content. This involves composting the biomass in a controlled and oxygen-deficient condition which results in the production of a biogas that can be used to provide electricity and heat. The third pathway for generation of energy from biomass is physico-chemical conversion. This involves processes that improve the physical and chemical characteristics of the biomass into high energy fuel pellets that are friendly to the ecosystem.

Martins Eke wrote from Abuja, and can be reached at [email protected]