Alternative Sources of Power Average Nigerians Could Use

mrdigitech

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Solar Panel and wind gogreenhome.net.jpg


Power is the driving force behind every industrialized nation. In fact, countries with more power generation
capabilities can deploy more resources than countries lacking such capabilities. Humans have generated sufficient energy from the earth to destroy it 10000 times over. Some of the procedures used for power generation have led to climate change, which is currently one of the major problems the world is combating at the moment.

The Nigerian economy has always been blighted by persistent power problems and mismanagement. This is one aspect of our economy we have never gotten right since independence. Nigerians virtually live like a semi-state within a sovereign state, where each household provides basic utilities such as power and water. This situation has made some metropolitan cities in the country difficult to live in due to the persistent noise produced by each household's power generating sets.

The Harmful effects of power generating sets

The fumes (Carbon Monoxide) generated by power generating sets have untold consequences on our health. Many families have been wiped off in their sleep as a result of accidental exposure to Carbon Monoxide (the silent killer). Some other health consequences of consistent, indirect exposure to generator fumes may not manifest at the moment, but in many years to come.

What are the Alternative sources of power for Nigerians?

I must say, due to the peculiar nature of the Nigerian state, the alternatives sources power for Nigerians are quite few and far between. Nigeria is still a developing nation, and as such we are mostly dependent on imports and foreign technical inputs for local energy sustenance. This means that most the alternative sources of power are out of the reach of the common man. The initial cost of acquisition and installation of most of the equipment used to harness other forms of energy are more expensive than the current power generating options we have, but their maintenance is a lot easier to manage.

Solar Energy

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Solar energy is simply energy gotten from the sun. The Sun's energy is free for all and the opportunity it avails those that harness its potential is limitless. This alternative source of power generation isn't new to most Nigerians. In fact, it seems to be an over-flogged issue in the country. Most solar energy projects in the country have failed to live up to expectations. The government agencies responsible for the effective implementation of solar projects in the country have been unable to draw up a functional solar plan.

Solar panels are made up of an array of solar cells that have the ability to absorb the sun's energy, which is often stored in batteries. The average cost of an 80W solar panel goes for N38,000. As you can see, the average cost per watt of a solar panel is more expensive that of fuel generating sets. However, the source of energy is free and limitless. You require about 5 to 10 solar panels of 80Watts to power a two bedroom flat with moderate use of electrical equipment.

Bio Fuel

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According to kdbiofuel.com, “a biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary biological processes such as agriculture and anaerobic digestion, rather than a fuel produced by geological processes such as those involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum, from prehistoric biological matter." This definition pretty much sums up everything about biofuel. You may be wondering if Biofuels are readily available in Nigeria, I tell you, they are. There is this greenish-looking Bio gel use for clean cookstoves. These Biofuel gels can be gotten from your favorite supermarkets in town, and are more economical to use than coal and kerosene.

Clean cookstoves burn efficiently and are very portable and affordable. They are a lot safer to use than your standard Coal, gas, and kerosene powered stoves. Unlike solar panels, the initial investment cost for Biofuel–powered stoves are low. A single bio-fuel-powered stove can go for prices between N5000 to N6000, just about anybody can afford them.

Bio Gas

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The biogas generation process is almost similar to the ones use for biofuels. I must say that process for generating biogas isn't something that can be done or implemented in metropolitan areas. It's perfectly suitable for deployment in farms and villages. Bio gas can be used for cooking and other activities that require the use of Gas. The process of generating biogas simply involves constructing a special equipment known as "Biodigester." The Biodigester is built using empty drums or metal sheets and then stuffed with animal dung for about three days. Methane is generated through this process and can be utilized for domestic cooking if sufficiently produced.

In conclusion, the alternative sources of power aren’t restricted to the ones mentioned above, just that most of these alternative energy sources are out of the reach average Nigerians. Some alternative sources of power such as Wind and Hydro are better implemented by the state, and as such have been excluded from this list. Nigerians can only hope that the government of the day puts in place policies to encourage significant research and investment from the private sector in alternative energy. It is only then that these alternative forms of power generation can be efficiently utilized by the common man.



Photo Credit: gogreenhome.net, powerenhancer.co.uk, bopdesigner.com, burkiethistie.org
 
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