Potential capability of corn cob residue for small power generation in rural Nigeria

Abstract

The ongoing global decarbonization strategies has paved ways for mixed power generation options involving both conventional and non-conventional sources of energy which is aiming at the simultaneous interest of lowering the price per unit of energy produced and sustaining healthy environmental requirements. However, future energy supply structures is expected to be dominated by renewable energy systems distributed generation while the reserves of fossil-based energy resources continue to decline on daily basis. Possible conversion technologies for electrical power generation utilizing the corn cob bio-residue were outlined in this framework. The article also seeks to investigate the potential opportunity of small power generation from biomass corn cob residue in Nigeria. A mathematically modified method was employed for evaluating the potential of the residue for power generation. Data from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) statistics was used for the analysis and concentrated body of literature back-up was also exploited for the analysis. The observation of data was carried-out from 1996 to 2010, though, the general result signifies a fluctuating potential. Summarily, the outcome of the study indicated that close to 3000MW electrical power is possible with availability of 70% of the residue in 2010. The study was concluded with brief description on prospect for implementation strategies of rural bioelectricity project.