Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with CESEL and the University of Lincoln, UK, on an ambitious new project funded by a £219,000 Innovate UK grant – a collaboration aims to develop and deploy advanced biodigesters at a large-scale poultry farm in Aikun, Osun State, to convert poultry waste into renewable biogas.
The project represents a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.
Replacing traditional, unsystematic methods, these innovative biodigesters will enhance the efficiency and safety of biogas production. The project’s long-term goal is to introduce more systematic models that could contribute meaningfully to the energy sector in rural Nigeria.
Highlighting the project’s potential, Dr. Patrick Tolani, CEO of CESEL, said, “This grant provides a unique opportunity to showcase a pathway toward environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors. With Nigeria’s potential to generate 25,000 megawatts of electricity from biogas, as per the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), this project can contribute significantly to addressing the nation’s energy deficit and fostering economic growth.”
Dr. Norbert Edomah, Associate Professor in Energy Systems & Policy at Pan-Atlantic University, also underscored the project’s potential for impact.
“Thanks to the support from Innovate UK, this knowledge transfer partnership aims at developing local competencies and innovative solutions that addresses local energy needs through production of biogas from agricultural and animal waste for diverse use in the farms, including electricity generation,” Dr. Edomah said.
As part of the project’s phased approach, Pan-Atlantic University will serve as the initial site for prototyping the biodigester. Following this, the technology is planned to be scaled up at the Osun State farm, where real-time monitoring sensors will be integrated to optimise performance and establish new benchmarks for energy innovation in Nigeria.
This partnership showcases Pan-Atlantic University, CESEL, and the University of Lincoln’s dedication to sustainable development and technological advancement. By fostering innovation in renewable energy, this project not only sets a precedent for green energy solutions in Nigeria but also contributes to a more sustainable and economically robust future for the country.
