Biofuels and Bioenergy

Biography

Biography: Osunsina

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges faced by Nigeria is its energy sector. Nigeria is an oil-rich country, and it comes as no surprise that almost all of the Nigerian energy consumption comes from non-renewable energy sources coal, natural gas, and, most importantly, oil. The Nigerian energy sector is highly vulnerable to shocks is due to its overdependence on crude oil. Nigeria Africa's most populous country needs more than 10 times its current electricity output to guarantee supply for its 198 million people - nearly half of whom have no access at all. Over the years, successive governments neglect and failure to develop the energy sector has greatly affected the nation. Also, the resilience of the Nigerian energy system is weak as climate change, bad governance and widespread poverty intensify the vulnerability of the energy economy. Only the shift to renewable energy as an efficient way to bring power to rural communities and help clean up a country with some of the world's worst urban pollution rates. It is believed that ready access to electricity will reduce youth unemployment and increase productivity. The country is exploring renewable energy program aimed at growing a thriving homegrown industry includes; providing jobs and economic empowerment to rural communities, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and protecting the environment while participating in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) program. Nigeria is endowed with solar, wind and hydroelectricity potentials which have not been harnessed and properly utilized to the benefit of the nation.