First Generation Bioethanol Projects in Nigeria: Benefits and Barriers

Abstract

Nigerian energy is primarily driven by fossil fuels, principally crude oil and natural gas. Despite being a major exporter of crude oil, ironically, refined petroleum products are in short supply in Nigeria. The country is now dependent on foreign nations for a large proportion of its refined products. The Nigerian biofuel policy was released in 2007 with the aim of spurring the indigenous production of biofuel in Nigeria to substitute for imported petroleum products. About 20 bioethanol projects have commenced in Nigeria with an additional 13 projects in the offing. All these projects planned to utilize food crops as their feedstock; hence they are regarded as first generation bioethanol projects. The article presents the benefits and barriers of emerging first-generation bioethanol projects in Nigeria.

Keywords:

• bioethanol
• biofuel policy
• biomass conservation
• first generation biofuels
• pioneers/players