Access to energy in the form of electricity undoubtedly plays an important role in nation’s growth, economic development, healthcare delivery, addressing energy poverty, supporting urbanization, delivering competitive energy to developing and developed countries alike and generally human well-being. There are different sources of electricity; and generation of electricity from them equally affect human well– being and the environment. Some of the notable sources of electricity or energy are: solar, fossil fuels, biogas, solid biomass, nuclear, hydropower. This work attempts to examine the environmental safety of coal use vis-a -vis power provision in Nigeria.
Coal is a fossil fuel formed from decomposition of organic materials subjected to geological heat and pressure for millions of years. It is considered a non– renewable energy source because it cannot be replenished within human time frame. Coal is a combustible black or brownish – black sedimentary rock normally occurring in rock strata in layers or vein called coal beds or coal steams.
The United States Energy Information Administration highlighting the importance and cheaper cost of coal in energy mix states that global consumption is likely to increase by 48%from 6 .7 million metric tons to an estimated 9. 98 billion short tons by 2030. Coal as an energy source contributes about 30% of the United States of America electricity generation, 93% of South Africa electricity generation, and 79% of the People’s Republic of China electricity generation. Going by this statistics and the fact that coal is cheap source for electricity generation, it is safe to assert that Nigeria has the potentials to produce cheaper electricity to solve its dearth of electricity generation and supply using coal. [...]
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. BRIEF HISTORY OF COAL USE IN NIGERIA ENERGY MIX
3. ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF COAL USE IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION
4. EXTANT LAWS IN NIGERIA THAT REGULATE ELECTRICITY
5. LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS ON EFFICIENT COAL USE IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
5.1 People’s Republic of China
5.2 The United States of America
6. NEW PROPOSAL ON LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR COAL USE IN THE ENERGY MIX IN NIGERIA
7. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the environmental implications of utilizing coal for electricity generation in Nigeria and argues for the establishment of a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure safe and efficient power production.
- Historical context of coal utilization in the Nigerian energy sector.
- Comprehensive analysis of the environmental and health risks associated with coal mining and combustion.
- Evaluation of existing Nigerian electricity laws and their adequacy for regulating coal power.
- Comparative review of coal-related regulatory frameworks in China and the United States.
- Proposal for new legal standards, pollution control requirements, and enforcement mechanisms for the Nigerian energy market.
Excerpt from the Book
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF COAL USE IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION
Although coal is a cheap source for electricity generation, there is abundant evidence that the use of coal in electricity generation from mining to post – combustion stage has negative impact on human health and the environment at large. Some of these negative effects of coal on human health and the environment include: air pollution, noise and water pollution, soil erosion, climate change, cancer, respiratory problems. Coal also creates environmental problems at various stages of its operation; i.e., mining, transportation, stock piling, coal preparation and utilization stages of the operation.
Air pollution - Combustion from coal power plants releases sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides, these eventually lead to acid rains and acidic aerosols (extremely fine air – borne particulates). Large much of particulates matters arising from coal combustion in power plants also causes smog which affects local visibility, and dust problems which in the long run affects human respiratory systems. More so, air pollution from coal power plants affects respiratory and cardiovascular systems, causes abnormal neurological development in children, poor growth of the foetus before birth, and cancer.
Water pollution - Like many other minerals that are mined from the beneath the earth surface when coal is mined there are several materials chemical and otherwise associated with it like clay, sand, sulphur and trace elements, these materials have to be washed off the coal before using the coal. Most times the water used in washing the coal is allowed to run into lakes, rivers there contaminating same and destroying aquatic lives – plants and animals.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the role of electricity in national development and justifies the exploration of coal as a viable, cost-effective energy source for Nigeria.
BRIEF HISTORY OF COAL USE IN NIGERIA ENERGY MIX: Outlines the historical usage of coal in Nigeria, from the colonial railway era to its decline after the discovery of oil and current efforts to revive it for power.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF COAL USE IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION: Identifies the significant health and environmental hazards linked to coal, including air/water pollution, climate change, and various toxic emissions.
EXTANT LAWS IN NIGERIA THAT REGULATE ELECTRICITY: Analyzes the existing legislative landscape in Nigeria and evaluates whether current laws like the EIA and NESREA can effectively govern future coal power operations.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS ON EFFICIENT COAL USE IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS.: Examines international regulatory precedents in China and the USA to demonstrate how legislation can enforce environmental safeguards in coal-fired electricity generation.
NEW PROPOSAL ON LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR COAL USE IN THE ENERGY MIX IN NIGERIA: Recommends specific regulatory changes, including the imposition of strict emission standards, tax incentives for clean technology, and heavy penalties for environmental violations.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the necessity of integrating coal into Nigeria’s energy mix while emphasizing that sustainable usage is only possible through strict regulatory enforcement.
Keywords
Coal, Energy Mix, Electricity Generation, Nigeria, Environmental Law, Regulatory Framework, Pollution Control, Fossil Fuels, Sustainable Development, NESREA, Renewable Energy, Air Pollution, Carbon Emission, Energy Policy, Coal Mining
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work focuses on the potential for using coal in Nigeria's energy mix while proposing a legal and regulatory framework to mitigate the associated environmental and health risks.
Which energy sources are compared to coal in the context of Nigeria?
The paper discusses coal in relation to natural gas and hydropower, noting that while coal is cheaper, natural gas plants are currently easier to build and more efficient.
What is the main argument regarding current Nigerian legislation?
The author argues that while specific "coal laws" are lacking, existing statutes like the EIA and the Electric Power Sector Reform Act provide a foundation that can be used to regulate coal use if enforced correctly.
Which countries are used as case studies for regulation?
The paper uses the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America as examples of nations that have established specific policies and environmental standards for coal-fired power plants.
What specific regulatory mechanisms does the author propose for Nigeria?
The author proposes strict emission limits, mandatory use of best available pollution-control technologies, frequent environmental site inspections, and tax rebates for companies investing in clean coal technology.
What are the identified major environmental risks of coal usage?
Key risks identified include air pollution (sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides), water contamination from coal washing, greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change, and health hazards like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
How does the author propose to handle potential bureaucratic issues?
The proposal suggests that the National Electricity Regulatory Commission should take a proactive role in setting guidelines, ensuring that environmental enforcement is prioritized alongside electricity supply goals.
What is the author's stance on the trade-off between energy needs and environmental protection?
The author maintains that Nigeria can safely utilize its coal reserves to address electricity shortages, provided that environmental protection standards are strictly enforced and cleaner technologies are adopted.
- Quote paper
- Luqman Adedokun (Author), 2015, Environmental Safe Use of Coal in the Energy Mix in Nigeria, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/356372
