Potentials of biomass briquetting and utilization: the Nigerian perspective

Nigeria can reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions by switching from fossil-based to biomass-derived fuels. This abundant renewable resource with great potential is currently the most widespread form of renewable energy with comparatively little pollution emissions. Its utilization is further increasing globally due to the concerns over the deleterious effect of the use of fossil fuels on climate change, global warming, and human general well-being. Biomass can be converted into gaseous, liquid, and/or solid biofuels as well as other raw chemical materials and products. Among the biomass conversion technologies, biomass briquetting is one of the means that is storable and portable with a low heating cost. There is huge biomass briquetting feedstock in Nigeria but the technology and market are grossly underdeveloped. The gains of approving the ratification of the Doha Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change would help Nigeria attract financial assistance and develop its home-grown technologies for biomass briquetting.In line with that, the present study reviews the different sources of biomass available, biomass briquetting feedstock potentials, and the glaring energy paucity. It also highlighted the need for government to provide an appropriate policy framework for the growth of the industry.