Biomass Energy from Agricultural Residues: Potential and Conversion Technology Assessment in North East Nigeria

This study assesses the biomass energy potential of agricultural residues in North East Nigeria and evaluates conversion technology options for transforming this biomass into useful energy for rural communities and agro-processing applications. North East Nigeria generates large volumes of agricultural residues from sorghum, millet, cotton, and groundnut production, representing a significant but underexploited renewable energy resource. Reliable energy access in the region is constrained by conflict-related infrastructure damage and the high cost of diesel generation. This study quantifies agricultural residue production using crop production statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics for Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe States, applying residue-to-crop ratios to estimate available biomass. Technical energy content analysis, collection logistics assessment, and conversion technology comparison are conducted. Technologies evaluated include direct combustion, gasification, briquetting, and anaerobic digestion. For each technology, energy efficiency, capital cost, operational requirements, and suitability for the regional context are assessed. Findings reveal that sorghum straw and groundnut shells represent the most abundant and collectable residue streams, with a combined estimated energy potential equivalent to 380,000 tonnes of diesel per year across the three states. Briquette production is identified as the most appropriate near-term technology due to low capital requirements and compatibility with existing cooking practices. The study recommends a biomass briquette enterprise development programme targeting post-conflict community recovery in the North East.

Keywords: biomass energy, agricultural residues, North East Nigeria, briquetting, rural energy.