Renewable Energy Integration in Agricultural Processing Operations in South South Nigeria

This study examines the integration of renewable energy sources into agricultural processing operations in South South Nigeria, assessing the technical feasibility, economic viability, and implementation barriers for solar and biomass energy systems in the region. Agro-processing enterprises in the South South, particularly palm oil mills, fish smoking facilities, and cassava processing plants, rely heavily on diesel generators and firewood for energy, creating high operational costs and environmental impacts. Renewable energy alternatives including solar PV, biogas from processing waste, and biomass briquettes offer potentially more sustainable and cost-effective options. This study uses a techno-economic assessment methodology, evaluating renewable energy system options for five representative agro-processing enterprise types in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States. Energy demand profiling, renewable resource assessment, system sizing, and lifecycle cost analysis are conducted. Implementation barriers are identified through interviews with 30 processing enterprise managers and energy technology suppliers. Findings reveal that biogas systems fuelled by palm press fibre and cassava peel waste can meet 65 to 80 percent of processing thermal energy needs, with payback periods of 2.8 to 4.5 years. Solar PV is most viable for electric motor drives and lighting. Upfront capital cost and technical maintenance capacity are the primary adoption barriers. The study concludes that renewable energy integration in South South agro-processing is technically and economically viable. It recommends clean energy grant programmes and technical training for processing enterprise operators.

Keywords: renewable energy, agro-processing, South South Nigeria, biogas, solar energy.