This paper deals with the use of algae in the creation of biofuels as a form of renewable energy. Algae, a group of living organisms uniquely adapted to aquatic environment; they exhibit conversion ability of radiation energy into carbon source aimed at reducing emission from conventional fuel. The most assured interest of algae as a biofuel agent is the abundance storage of lipid which is converted to various energy yields.
Civilization, urbanization and competition of tillage land with crops for production of bioenergy have been among the challenges facing the bioenergy sector. However, an excellent panacea is the cultivation of algae from waste, non-waste water or industrial waste water, which has been found to be a positive platform for algae-derived biofuel; numerous attempts have been made by so many nations to reduce carbon emissions; amongst are the developments of frameworks for the prospective utilization of renewable energy resources, due to its abundance and sustainability.
There is no gainsaying that countries in African are endowed with renewable energy resources, especially Nigeria. Lack of expertise, inadequate management and failure to adhere to policies has been a great challenge in actualizing the promising benefit of renewable energy and implementation in Nigeria.
According to Ladokun et al (2013), Nigeria is a tropical rich zone which lies between latitudes 4°N and 14°N and longitudes 2°2’E and 14°30’E, it occupies wide coverage of 923 770 km2. Owing to its hydrological potentials which are considered as great assets to the algae biofuel energy industry. The country is a coastal region with boundaries along the southern area by the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s north-south part extents to about 1 050 km and its east-west extent is about 1 150 km, which is bordered to the western part by Benin Republic, also to the northern region by Niger and Chad, also boarded in the eastern part by Cameroon.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Nigeria and Its Resplendent Energy Profile
1.2 Kyoto protocol and the Nigerian renewable energy policies
1.3 Nigeria Action on Renewable energy
1.4 Renewable Energy in Nigeria
1.6 History of algae biofuel
1.6 Status of algae in biofuel generations
1.7 Diversity and suitability of algae
1.8 Classifications of algae strains
1.9 Biology and chemical compositions of algae
2 CHAPTER TWO
PRODUCTION OF ALGAE BIOMASS
2.1 Open System
2.2 Closed Photobioreactors (PBR)
2.2.3 Types of photo bioreactor systems PBR
2.3 Heterotrophic Fermentation
2.4 Integrated Cultivation Systems
2.4.1 Biofilm Processing
2.4.3 Algal Turf Scrubbers (ATS)
2.5 Advanced Integrated Wastewater Pond System
2.6 Heterotrophic Fermenters
3 Processing of algae to biofuel
3.1 Harvesting and moist removal
3.2 Algal oil extraction
3.3 Conversion of oil to algae derived biofuel
CHAPTER four
4 SUSTAINABILITY OF ALGAE DERIVED BIOFUEL
4.1 Element of algae derived sustainability
4.1.1 Energy protection
4.1.2 Economic Structure
4.1.3 Environmental and resource control
4.1.4 Social affiliations
4.2 Indicators
4.3 Life-Cycle Assessment of Algae derived fuel
4.4 Scenario Analysis
CHAPTER FIVE
ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF ALGAE BIOFUEL
5.1 Alternative revenues
Research Objectives and Themes
This work explores the potential of algae-derived biofuel production as a sustainable energy solution for Nigeria, aiming to analyze the feasibility of biomass production and processing within the country's specific geographical and economic context. The research addresses how Nigeria can leverage its natural resources and mitigate current over-reliance on fossil fuels through the implementation of innovative bioenergy systems.
- Analysis of Nigeria's current energy profile and renewable energy potential.
- Technical evaluation of various algae cultivation systems, including open ponds and closed photobioreactors.
- Examination of processing techniques for converting algal biomass into biofuel.
- Sustainability assessment using Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and scenario analysis.
- Investigation of the economic implications and revenue potential of integrating biofuel production with wastewater treatment.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Nigeria and Its Resplendent Energy Profile
Nigeria is potentially productive in algae-derived biomass production due to its enormous strain of algae species, abundant water and solar radiation resources (Figure 1), which lead to green sources of energy.
However, technological know-how has been a great challenge in Nigeria, coupled with political interests which have also been significant factors, especially with the country’s giant stake in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) forum. Nigeria is a country known for its large oil production with ranking among the first fifteen world’s largest oil-producing countries, this accounted for 96% of export value earnings and more than 75% of the federal government revenue of Nigeria in 2012 (EIA, 2013). About 90% of government income is sourced from over dependence on the oil sector which has negatively affected other prospective energy generation sectors.
In the African region, population of the country is around 166.63 million inhabitants in 2012; the country is a potential resourceful base for algae-derived fuel production with aquatic capacity of 221 000 km3 per volume per year in 2011 for freshwater availability. The aquatic hydrological resources are yet to be fully utilized, but utilization capacity of 31.45%, 52.44%, and 15.07% for domestic, agricultural and industrial usages have been observed respectively (FISHSTAT, 2013).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an introduction to algae as a biofuel source and details the energy profile, climate, and renewable energy policies relevant to Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO: Explores various cultivation systems for algae biomass, ranging from open raceway ponds to closed photobioreactors and integrated cultivation methods.
3 Processing of algae to biofuel: Details the technical processes involved in harvesting, dewatering, extracting oil, and converting algal biomass into usable biofuels.
4 SUSTAINABILITY OF ALGAE DERIVED BIOFUEL: Discusses the criteria for sustainability, environmental impacts, Life-Cycle Assessment, and future scenario modeling for the industry.
CHAPTER FIVE: Analyzes the economic viability, cost implications of different production systems, and potential alternative revenues such as wastewater treatment.
Keywords
Algae, Biofuel, Nigeria, Renewable Energy, Biomass, Photobioreactors, Sustainability, Life-Cycle Assessment, Carbon Neutrality, Wastewater Treatment, Biodiesel, Lipids, Bioenergy, Economic Viability, Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the feasibility and potential of algae-derived biofuel production as a sustainable, green energy alternative specifically within the context of Nigeria.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include technical cultivation methods, processing technologies, environmental sustainability, economic viability, and the strategic alignment of biofuel production with Nigeria’s national energy goals.
What is the main research question or goal?
The primary goal is to determine how Nigeria can utilize its abundant aquatic and solar resources to establish a viable algae-biofuel industry to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
What scientific methods were employed?
The work utilizes a review of existing technological frameworks, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, and economic sensitivity analysis to evaluate various cultivation and conversion systems.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the classification of algae strains, detailed engineering of cultivation systems (ponds vs. PBRs), harvesting and extraction processes, and an analysis of sustainability and costs.
How is the work characterized by its keywords?
The work is characterized by terms linking biological production to industrial applications, specifically emphasizing sustainability, economic development, and carbon mitigation.
Why is wastewater treatment significant in this study?
Wastewater treatment is highlighted as a synergistic component that can provide nutrients for algae growth while simultaneously treating polluted water, thereby increasing the economic and environmental value of the biofuel facility.
What are the identified challenges for Nigeria?
The research identifies technological know-how, initial capital costs, political interest in traditional oil sectors, and the current lack of standardized infrastructure as major challenges to adopting algae biofuel at scale.
- Citation du texte
- Isa Elegbede (Auteur), 2016, Algae-derived biofuel production and opportunites for sustainable bioenergy in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/312227
