Waste-to-Energy Feasibility Assessment for Agricultural Residues in Borno State

This project assesses the technical and economic feasibility of waste-to-energy conversion from selected agricultural residues in Borno State, North East Nigeria. Borno State generates substantial quantities of crop residues, including millet stalks, sorghum stover, and groundnut shells, from its large agricultural sector, yet these materials are predominantly burned openly in fields or left to decompose, representing both an environmental challenge and an untapped energy resource. This study employs a biomass resource assessment methodology to quantify available agricultural residue volumes from state agricultural production statistics, followed by an energy conversion potential calculation using established calorific value and conversion efficiency data for briquette production and downdraft gasification technologies. A financial feasibility analysis is conducted for a one-megawatt biomass gasification facility, incorporating capital cost estimation, operating cost projection, and energy revenue modelling based on current off-grid electricity tariff benchmarks. Results indicate that sufficient biomass feedstock is available within a fifty-kilometre radius of the proposed facility location to sustain continuous operation. The financial analysis yields a positive net present value and an internal rate of return of eighteen-point-six percent under baseline assumptions. Recommendations support proceeding to pre-feasibility study stage, with emphasis on feedstock logistics system design and community engagement. Keywords: waste-to-energy, biomass gasification, agricultural residues, Borno State, feasibility