Title: The economic viability of the utilisation of biogas as an alternative source of energy in rural parts of Nigeria

Authors: Eric Chekwube Okonkwo; Kingsley Ifeanyi Okafor; Ertan Akun

Addresses: Department of Energy System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cyprus International University, North Cyprus, Turkey ' Mechatronics Engineering Department, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria ' Department of Environmental Sciences, Cyprus International University, North Cyprus, Turkey

Abstract: Energy is an important resource in the development of any nation. Nigeria's energy demand has been epileptic in the past 50 years with frequent power outages and low availability of fuel for domestic purposes. The environmental issues associated with the consumption of fossil fuels with a growing economy have resulted in an increase in bio-waste generated. The average Nigerian makes $450-650 with an average of $10 on energy consumption for domestic use. 60% of these homes own a greater number of domestic animals and farm wastes. The study evaluates the potential of biogas utilisation in rural Nigeria, the acceptance of this technology and the economic viability of this technology. An analysis conducted on a 3 m² biogas digester estimated to cost $500 with an internal rate of return of 23% and a NPV of $232. The study shows that this technology can adequately substitute for burning firewood and also lead to a reduction in environmental pollution.

Keywords: biomass; biogas; Anambra state; Nigeria; energy; municipal waste; environmental pollution; bio-energy; animal waste; economic viability; fire wood.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2018.097136

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2018 Vol.41 No.5/6, pp.205 - 225

Received: 21 Feb 2017
Accepted: 10 Feb 2018
Published online: 02 Jan 2019 *

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