FG set to deploy biogas for power generation

Federal Government on Monday in Abuja affirmed its readiness to deploy biogas for electricity generation in the country.

Dr Gloria Obioh, Head of Department of Environmental Biotechnology and Bio- conservation Department, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to her, the government fabricated bio-digesters adapted to local conditions to generate 20,000MW through conversion of organic wastes.

Obioh expressed optimism that the bio-digesters produced by NABDA for  electricity generation, would also create jobs and raise  the country’s GDP.

“ The key areas are design and fabrication of bio- digesters to local condition, local patenting of products, and contribution to organic wastes management which accounts to a minimum of 50 per cent municipal solid wastes.”

According to her, apart from enhancing food security through the utilization of bio-fertilizer to boost soil fertility, it will  also create jobs across all value chains including digester fabrication, energy generation, waste management, bio-fertilizer production among others.

“ There will be several spin-off industries which would contribute greatly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), “ she said.

Obioha said the bio-digesters would  be unveiled on Tuesday while a train-the –trainer bio-entrepreneurship workshop will take place on Wednesday.

She said that investment in the bio-digesters, also called Anaerobic Digestion Technology, would enhance environmental sustainability.

NAN reports that the Department of Environmental Biotechnology and Bio- conservation is one of the five technical departments of NABDA set up to use biotechnology responsibly to enhance quality of life without overstepping the carrying capacity of the environmental support system.

Its vision is to become an epicenter of bio-solutions to environmental and bioresources management challenges in the country.