An Economic Evaluation of a Small-Scale Wood-Fired Gasifier for Decentralized Power Generation in Nigeria
Authors: Akhator PE, Obanor AI, Sadjere EG
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
This study presents an economic evaluation of a small-scale
biomass gasifier power plant (BGPP). The major aim was to
evaluate the economics of coupling a small-scale wood-fired
open-core downdraft gasifier to an internal combustion engine
(ICE) for electricity generation using the levelized cost of
electricity (LCOE). The gasifier was made using locally sourced
materials in a workshop in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The
gasoline generator was obtained from a local market in Benin
City. Results from the study show that the LCOE of the gasifier
power plant was approximately N12.78/kWhel (electrical energy).
This generation cost was much lower than that
(N82.81324/kWhel) of generator fuelled with gasoline commonly
utilized for electricity generation in Nigeria. This generation cost
was also lower than the electricity tariff in some regions
established by the Nigerian government in 2019. This indicates
that the BGPP presents a more profitable alternative than
gasoline for electricity generation in Nigeria in the absence of
grid electricity. Hence, development of such power projects
should be encouraged in Nigeria to ease the present electricity
crisis in Nigeria, especially in the rural areas.
Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Keywords: Biomass, Decentralized Electricity, Economic Evaluation, Gasification, LCOE, Wood Waste
Published date: 2019/06/30
