The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has unveiled a prototype Digesters and Process Optimisation Test Systems to serve as alternative energy in rural and urban settlements.
The Acting Director General of the agency, Prof. Alex Akpa who performed the
unveiling ceremony said the prototype digester was developed by the
Environmental Biotechnology and Bio-conservation Department of NABDA.
Akpa said that the digesters are primarily meant to deliver biogas to end users
and expand its utilities.
He noted that the current version of the product was built for households,
small and medium scale enterprises such as restaurants, small farms, small
artisanal clusters and small abattoirs.
The acting D-G said the prototype bio-digesters have been developed with all
sectors in mind comprising three sizes produced and named BEGS 250Litres, BEGS
500Litres and BEGS1000Litres.
“The team has developed the capacity to retrofit existing gasoline and diesel
generator to use biogas as fuel for electricity generation.
“In Africa, the rising need for the reduction of pollution and re-use of
biodegradable organic feedstock such as food and agro-related waste, sewage
sludge and municipal organic waste has necessitated the development and
adaptation of technologies.
“The technology that can transform biodegradable organic feedstock into
valuable products such as biogas and biofertiliser.
“Egypt, Algeria, South Africa and Kenya have made good success in areas of
biogas generation for domestic cooking and in part for bioelectricity
generation,” Akpa said.
Akpa said in Nigeria, as a matter of policy, bio-energy comprising ethanol and
biogas was expected to constitute five per cent of national energy mix.
He assured said the agency would continue to provide technical assistance in
all aspects of bio-energy development in the country and ensure the Digesters
and Test Systems are produced in quantities that would be affordable and
available.
Mrs Gloria Obioh, the Head of the department that championed the innovation
said organic wastes account for about 50 per cent of municipal solid wastes in
Nigeria.
She noted that, if developed, Anaerobic Digestion Technology (ADT) will
contribute up to 20,000 MW of electricity.
“The project has enhanced capacity for job creation across all value chains
digester fabrication, energy generation, waste management and biofertiliser
production.
“Consequently there would be several spin-off industries which would contribute
greatly to Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and National Development,’’ she said.
The Executive Vice Chairman of National Agency for Science and Engineering
Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof Mohammed Haruna urged the agency not to rest in
their research efforts to perfect the technology.
Haruna who was represented by Acting Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Mr
Rasheed Agava said NABDA had the capacity and capability to deliver its
mandate. NAN