Background
Global energy problems of costs, green house gas emissions, acid rain, and atmospheric, water and land pollution and toxic waste are all linked in one way or the other to fossil fuels. This is based on the fact that the emissions from the burning of fossil create atmospheric water and land pollution and toxic waste which affects global weather and climate patterns that will affect all humanity in decades to come.
In view of the above, it is clear that over dependence on the depleting supply of fossil fuels constitute a major energy challenge globally and it is even more precarious for the Nigerian situation of a monolithic economy engendered by the fact that the economy is about 80% dependent on petroleum products.
Fossil fuels are so-called because they have been formed from organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals and therefore contain high percentage of carbon. The major ones are petroleum products, natural gas and coal. Fossil fuel provides about 66% of the world electrical power and 95% of the world’s total energy demands (including heating, transportation, electricity generation and other uses) .
By definition fossil fuels are non renewable and therefore destined to run out, so economies will be forced to change as these fuels are depleted.
Apart from the potential energy crisis that can result if the supplies does run out, the general impact of the continued dependence on fossil has been proven to have serious consequence on the environment such that the combustion of fossil fuels is considered to be the largest contributing factor to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and hence has become the largest source of atmospheric pollution today. Herein lays the major challenge. It is therefore safe to conclude that the over dependence on fossil fuels provides two major challenges: Possibility of its depletion and global warming.
While it is justifiable to play down the potential of the supplies running out in the nearest future because of its abundance, global warming has become a worldwide problem that has assumed an alarming proportion hence, the main concern of the over dependence on fossil fuel is greenhouse gas emission and global warming.
Therefore, since fossil fuels currently supply most of Nigeria’s energy needs, and however unacceptable their long-term consequences, the supplies are likely to remain adequate for the next few generations. Scientists and policy makers must make use of this period of grace to assess alternative sources of energy and determine what is scientifically possible, environmentally acceptable and technologically promising.
In this regard, alternative energy has now become a tenable solution and developednations see the sector as a lucrative one capable of turning around other sectors of an economy and a way of curbing global warming. Nigeria has become seriously involved in this global discussion aimed at diversifying the energy sources with a view to curtailing the impact on the environment and the long term consequence of its depletion.
Against this background it is imperative for a research to be conducted to assess the extent of the problem, the potential threat and the possible solution with a view to providing a proactive response to the problem and ensure the country prepares for the rainy days when the fossil fuel reserves will be in short supply.
Significantly also is the need to stem the tide of greenhouse gas emissions, global warming and reduce the rate of atmospheric, water and land pollution and toxic waste.
This proposal therefore is to provide the justification for this research to be conducted to put the entire situation in proper perspective with a view to aiding decision makers in their bid to create a path to a prosperous future.
The Energy Situation
Fossil fuels are fuels formed by natural resources such as anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms a formation of which takes millions of years. Fossil fuels range from volatile materials with low carbon hydrogen ratios like methane to liquid petroleum to non-volatile materials composed of almost pure carbon. The fossils fuels which contain high percentages of carbon include coal, petroleum and natural gas which are the main energy usage in Nigeria.
Fossil fuels are non renewable resources because they take millions of years to form and reserves are being depleted faster than new ones are being made. Of major concern though is the fact that the production and use of fossil fuels has become a major environmental challenge and has therefore generated a global movement towards the generation of alternative/renewable energy.
Basically the main drawback of fossil fuel is pollution because burning of fossil produces carbon dioxide which contributes to the greenhouse effect, warming the earth. Nigeria emits approximately 100 million metric tonnes annually through gas flaring, road transportation, use of power generators, incandescent lamps, human wastes and deforestation. (Source: Energy Commission of Nigeria)
We therefore cannot continue to depend on the fossil economy forever. Fossil is responsible for global warming, so we have to produce alternative energy that will power the economy without harming our environment. For Nigeria to achieve her vision of greatness, we must move forward like the developed nations. Also Experts are of the opinion that Nigeria could benefit from $30bn carbon credit funds annually from alternative energy production, which is capable of mitigation of carbon emission from the environment. This provides an added incentive.
The above analysis makes a comprehensive research imperative with a view to providing a road map for the Nigerian economy.
Purpose of the Research
This research is aimed at determining the current energy situation in Nigeria, ascertaining the desired destination and proffering suggestions on the most effective and efficient way of reaching the expected destination. Simply put, the research will clearly indicate where we are, where we want to go and how to get there.
The research will also identify the various types of alternative energy, it availability in Nigeria, the quantity available and the method of harnessing the potentials of these various energy types showing clearly the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The outcome will be to show clearly the detrimental impact of over dependence on fossil fuel while making a logical case for investment and development of alternative energy.
Possible Solution: A case for alternative energy.
Alternative energy refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fuel sources without the undesired consequences of the replaced fuels. In a general sense in contemporary society, alternative energy is that which is produced without the undesirable consequences of the burning of fossil fuels, such as highcarbon dioxide emissions, which is considered to be the major contributing factor ofglobal warming.
Alternative energy is:
- Energy fueled in ways that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment.
- Energy derived from sources that do not use up natural resources or harm the environment.
- Energy derived from non traditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, wind).
- Energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound, such as solar or wind energy (as opposed to fossil fuels).
- Fuel sources that are other than those derived from fossil fuels. Typically used interchangeably forrenewable energy. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy.
- Energy generated from alternatives to fossil fuel. Need not be renewable.
Benefits Derivable from Alternative Energy.
They are renewable and hence, no fear of being used up
Elimination of municipal solid waste as they are converted to energy
Environmental friendliness
Healthier and cleaner future
Increased price stability
Reduction of toxic waste
Conclusion
The prospects of a green economy development in Nigeria are very bright. Already there are energy efficiency projects across the country but a lot of work still needs to be done to put Nigeria on the way to a vibrant green economy that will fast track development in other sectors of the economy. In this regards, we need to focus on Scalability, Sustainability and Cost. Also policy makers must set realistic goals that establish a level playing field so there is enough time for technology to advance and for the marketplace to choose winners and losers.
While the challenges are great, the opportunities are even greater. It is my belief that through technological innovation, productive public dialogue and the collaboration of industry, governments and the scientific community, these obstacles can be overcome and that alternative energy can play a major role in meeting the country’s and eventually the world’s ever-increasing demand for energy.
In conclusion therefore the following action points must be given prominence:
We must have the political will to introduce our blending of ethanol with fossil fuel to reduce carbon emission from our environment.
We must also have the political will to pool our resources and appoint a body, commission or agency to take the lead and become the rallying point for all issues involving global warming together with its mitigation and adaptation.
The Organized Private Sector (OPS) must be fully engaged in a bid to forming a vibrant public-private partnership
Legislation is another critical element required for the sector to become successful. Without legislative backing, nothing will be achieved. There must be law that guides the systematic development of the sector.
TheOracle 