The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it will soon commence the first large scale commercial bio-fuel venture.
Photo: Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru
According to NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru [pictured above], bio-fuel will serve as real alternative to fossil fuel.
Dr. Baru disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a two day Environment Dialogue, titled `Diversification of the Economy, the Role of Jatropha.’
Speaking at the occasion was Mr Babatunde Adeniran, the corporation’s Group Executive Director, Gas and Power who represented Baru.
He said that the project became necessary due to the increasing negative impact of fossil fuel to the environment.
To achieve the feat, NNPC would cultivate Jatropha plants along the borders of the over 5,000 kilometers of NNPC pipeline across the country.
Jatropha, Adeniran disclosed, is an environmental and economic agro-allied plant called Binidazugu in the North, Lapalapa in South West, Okwa Ekpu in the East and it has over 175 species.
The plant could be used to produce bio-fuel which could serve as alternative to diesel.
It could also serve as wind breakers and shelter belts to curb flooding, desertification and erosion.
Based on its commercial considerations, Jatropha ranked second to oil palm as the bio-oil of choice for biodiesel production in the NNPC bio-fuel programme.
Adeniran stated that bio-fuel, as a renewable source of energy, was currently drawing international recognition as alternative choice of fuel.
This is because of its Eco-friendliness, socio-economic and climate benefits.
“As one of the key business areas, NNPC is currently diversifying its products portfolio for enhanced and sustainable energy mix.
“We are doing this by integrating bio-fuel production from selected energy crops with a robust agriculture development programme,” he said.
“Jatropha is considered an appropriate hedge plant for reclaiming forests in extinction, managing desertification, creating soil balance and a logical solution to food versus fuel contest,” he said.
He pledged the commitment of the corporation to implement the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
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