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Integration of perennial grass into energy mix as alternative to fuelwood in selected Niger Delta communities, Nigeria

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Abstract

The energy potentials of Pennisetum purpureum Shumach and Panicum maximum Jacq, commonly called Elephant and Spear grasses, were investigated. These grass species were selected based on their availability, yield, and carbon-fixing abilities. Proximate and ultimate analysis of these grasses was carried out in order to obtain the moisture content (MC), volatile matter (VM), fixed carbon (FC), and the ash content (AC), as well as the elemental compositions which are C, H, O, N, and S, respectively. In addition, heating values of the grass samples were examined, with results proposing 15.17 MJ/kg and 14.56 MJ/kg, for Pennisetum purpureum Shumach and Panicum maximum Jacq, respectively. Material balance across the unit’s operation shows that at 10 kg/hr of input, 8.3 kg/hr is recoverable and represents 83% theoretical yield. The possibilities for integration of grasses as energy alternative to fuelwood suggest that perennial grasses are cheaper, able to meet soaring energy demands, and provide a way for combating climate change. However, their lower energy content than fuelwood suggest that densification is required. Regardless of the scary consequences of fuelwood use on deforestation, it was shown that poor public education on perennial grasses has made users less concerned with adopting this fuel type to fuelwood. Urgent call to integrate perennial grasses into the energy mix is a key factor in driving a green economy and meeting Sustainable Development Goals, SDG-3, SDG-7, and SDG-13, which are Good Health and Well-being, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Climate Action, respectively, for an energy-disadvantaged economy. Furthermore, aggressive policy intervention that largely discourages the use of fuelwood is very important for a wider acceptance of this resource, particularly among the rural enclave.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Oleh, Nigeria

    Mike U. Ajieh & Lawrence C. Edomwonyi-Otu

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh Campus, Oleh, Nigeria

    Kesiena Owebor

  3. National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

    Izuchukwu F. Okafor

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  1. Mike U. Ajieh
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Ajieh, M.U., Owebor, K., Edomwonyi-Otu, L.C. et al. Integration of perennial grass into energy mix as alternative to fuelwood in selected Niger Delta communities, Nigeria. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 13, 4149–4160 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-01570-2

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