Energy production from biogas: A conceptual review for use in Nigeria

The authors reviewed the global methods of biogas production, enrichment, compression and storage for energy generation and highlighted its potential application in meeting energy needs in developing countries, with emphasis on Nigeria. Biogas is becoming an increasingly important source of clean energy for rural and urban areas in developing countries, as can be seen by the increased construction of biodigesters. Biogas digester technology has been domesticated in Nigeria and a number of pilot biogas plants have been built with majority (over 75%) of operational Nigerian manure digesters on piggery, cattle farms or abattoirs. A trend is now seen among academic institutions in Nigeria in the design and construction of biogas digesters, for instance, the Usman Danfodio University Biogas Plant, the Obafemi Awolowo University plant, the University of Ibadan prototype (with a patent), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Private sector involvement, which shows increasing interest and availability of biogas technology. Biogas is a renewable fuel that is 60–70% methane and can be used to power household appliances and generate electricity using appropriate technologies. These technologies include Biogas digesters which are being used to collect farm animal waste and convert it to biogas through anaerobic bacterial processes. The biogas generated is enriched through a process of scrubbing to obtain at least 95% purity. The current research focus of the authors towards improving biogas yield, enrichment, compression and storage for use in Nigeria is discussed. The current findings indicate that there are economic advantages for the utilisation of biogas in developing countries like Nigeria.