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

Heliyon (Sep 2023)

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

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 9, no. 9
p. e19660

Abstract

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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.

Published in Heliyon

ISSN: 2405-8440 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Science (General); Social Sciences: Social sciences (General)
Website: https://www.cell.com/heliyon/home

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