Estimating MSW Energy as Alternative Fuel Support for Sustainable Power Generation in Nigeria

Abstract

One of the challenges facing power industries in Nigeria today is shortage of gas supply to power thermal and steam turbine in electricity generating stations which has resulted in low generating capacity relative to installed capacity by most of these companies. This paper attempt to estimate capacity of energy value that could be realized from domestic waste using geometrical model and 2006 population data in the country. With per capita waste generation and specific value of waste to energy conversion through waste to energy technologies, the findings revealed that, municipal solid waste (MSW) could be an alternative fuel to thermal stations and enhance sustainable electricity production if properly managed. For projected population of over 255millions by the year 2025, an estimated 60 534 742 tons of domestic waste, 9 240MW of energy, over U$2.9billion in the same period could be realized. This power value is estimated to be around 136%, 264-205%, 93% and 37% of present installed capacity; present electricity generation capacity; current potential demand and long term power demands of the country respectively. The significance of this study shows that huge amount of energy in the form of electricity, gas, and heat locked in organic part of MSW is been wasted on daily basis that could have being used in power generating industries. One of the recommendations is to engage professional waste management agencies by investing in waste to energy technologies.