Optimal sites for agricultural and forest residues energy conversion plant using geographic information system
M.O. Ukoba,
E.O. Diemuodeke,
T.A. Briggs,
M. Imran,
M.M. Ojapah,
K. Owebor,
C. Nwachukwu,
M.D. Aminu,
K.E. Okedu,
A. Kalam,
I. Colak
Affiliations
M.O. Ukoba
Energy and Thermofluids Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
E.O. Diemuodeke
Energy and Thermofluids Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Corresponding author.
T.A. Briggs
Energy and Thermofluids Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
M. Imran
Department of Mechanical, Biomedical and Design Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
M.M. Ojapah
Energy and Thermofluids Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
K. Owebor
Energy and Thermofluids Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delta State University, Abraka–Oleh Campus, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
C. Nwachukwu
Energy and Thermofluids Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323, Choba, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
M.D. Aminu
Clean Air Task Force, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
K.E. Okedu
Smart Energy Research Unit, Victoria University, Ballarat Road, Footscray, 3011, Melbourne, Australia; Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Nisantasi University, Istanbul, Turkey
A. Kalam
Smart Energy Research Unit, Victoria University, Ballarat Road, Footscray, 3011, Melbourne, Australia
I. Colak
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Nisantasi University, Istanbul, Turkey
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has committed to net-zero emission development pathways to respond to the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. However, the country is in dire need of energy to support its developmental ambitions. Therefore, it is necessary to consider green energy technologies to support both socioeconomic development and to meet the FGN's emission reduction target. In view of this, the current work presents the optimal sites for bioenergy plants in a state in Nigeria using Geographic Information System (GIS). Key findings suggest that 62.03 PJ/yr and 4.12 PJ/yr of energy could be derived from crop residues and forest residues, respectively, to support the state's bioenergy development. The crop residues considered include plantain (stem), oil palm (shell and fibre), maize (stalks) and cassava (peel and stalks). Six criteria were used in selecting the optimal sites, and include biomass residue distribution, settlement, road accessibility, nearness to waterline, slope and aspect. These criteria were incorporated into the ArcGIS platform through the weighted overlay tool. Strategically, the analysis presents seven sites for biomass plants to sustainably meet part of the energy needs. The efforts of the current work which supports not less than three SDGs–SDG 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), will assist policymakers in Nigeria to make appropriate policies within the climate change space.
