Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

MEMAN Advocates Ethanol as Alternate Fuel, Plans $7bn Yearly Savings

POSTED ON June 13, 2024 •   BUSINESS      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Ethanol l Photo Credit: Ecochem

The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria has stated that ethanol could be adopted as a biofuel to help Nigeria in reducing energy poverty and emissions.

According to MEMAN during a recent quarterly press webinar and engagement, about $7.4bn could be saved annually by taking advantage of Nigeria’s ethanol resources as a biofuel to support petrol.

Ethanol is a biofuel that is commonly used as a substitute or additive to petrol in vehicles. It is typically produced through the fermentation of plant materials like cassava, corn, sugarcane, and others.

MEMAN noted that ethanol blended into biofuel as a transformative energy source has the potential to change Nigeria’s energy landscape and pave the way for a sustainable economy.

Experts, who spoke at the webinar, revealed that Nigeria had what it takes to exploit its ethanol to biofuel potential.

Presenting a paper titled ‘Ethanol as a Biofuel’, a Senior Consultant with Africa Practice, Agwu Ojowu, pointed out that developing the ethanol industry could save the nation about $7.4bn ba year.

“Nigeria’s cassava production, standing at 63 million metric tonnes annually, represents 26 per cent of the global total. However, with 40 per cent of this yield lost each year, there is a significant economic loss estimated at $7.4bn. Developing the ethanol industry could mitigate these losses, enhance economic stability, and capitalise on the depreciating currency to reduce costs,” Ojowu stated.

He emphasised that ethanol’s higher octane rating improves fuel quality and helps meet environmental standards by reducing sulfur content and greenhouse gas emissions.

Those attributes, he said, make ethanol a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to petrol, aligning with Nigeria’s climate commitments.

Going down memory lane, Ojowu recalled that Nigeria’s foray into ethanol began with the 2007 biofuels policy, which mandated a 10 per cent ethanol blend in fuel.

“Despite initial challenges, including the suspension of the policy in 2008, because of blending inconsistencies, the potential of ethanol remains significant. Ethanol’s cost-effectiveness compared to petrol has historically led to economic arbitrage, suggesting that a well-regulated biofuel market could be economically advantageous,” he said.

Ojowu added that ethanol presents numerous benefits, including economic, environmental, and agricultural advantages, without necessitating vehicle modifications.

The Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Clement Isong, also emphasised the role of renewable energy in addressing Nigeria’s energy poverty.

He highlighted the importance of diverse energy sources, including biofuels, solar, hydroelectricity, and wind energy, to create a balanced and sustainable energy mix.

“MEMAN is committed to engaging with industry stakeholders to advocate for energy solutions that meet Nigeria’s needs,” Isong said.

He expressed optimism about the future of renewable energy in Nigeria and the continued efforts to enhance press engagement and industry collaboration.

READ ALSO
33 African Startups Cease Operations in 30 Months Amid Shift to Sustainability
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

In the last 30 months, from January 2023 to mid-2025, approximately 33 startups in Africa ceased ope...

READ ALSO
Nigerian Financial Institutions Urged to Adopt Real-Time Tools to Combat Rising Fraud
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

Financial institutions in Nigeria and throughout Africa have been encouraged to implement real-time...

READ ALSO
NDLEA Conducts Public Auction of Properties Linked to Drug Trafficking
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) held a public auction yesterday for houses that wer...

READ ALSO
FG Plans Re-Privatization of Power Discos Amidst Legislative Changes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 29, 2025 0

The Federal Government may proceed with the sale of 11 power distribution companies through a re-pri...

READ ALSO
Lagos, Ogun Set for 25-Day Power Outage: Maintenance Work Begins July 28
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 28, 2025 0

Lagos State and some areas of Ogun will undergo a power outage lasting 25 days, beginning on July 28...

READ ALSO
FG Mandates GPS Coordinates for Capital Projects Over N150 Million in 2025
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The Federal Government has required that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies provide the Globa...

READ ALSO
FG Urges Project Accountants to Prioritize Integrity in Fund Management
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The Federal Government has cautioned project accountants and financial officers to prioritize care a...

READ ALSO
Electricity Tariffs: Power Firms Push Back Against State Negotiations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

On Wednesday, energy commissioners from all 36 states announced their willingness to engage with pow...

OUR CHANNELS:

IGP Egbetokun Addresses Plight of Retired Police Officers
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated on Tuesday that many retired police office...


Shettima Highlights Food Sovereignty in Tinubu's Emergency Declaration
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

Vice President Kashim Shettima provided insights into the motivations behind President Bola Tinubu&r...


CAC Demands Annual Returns to Avoid Deregistration
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has initiated a new round of removing companies that have not...


Oyo State Government Seizes Goods from Unregistered Veterinary Practices
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

The Oyo State Government on Tuesday shut down 15 veterinary outlets and seized goods valued in milli...


Nigerians Must Go: Ghanaians Rally Against Alleged Mass Prostitution and Ritual Killings
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 31, 2025 0

Some Ghanaians have expressed their discontent with Nigerians, accusing them of engaging in mass pro...


SGF Urged Northern Politicians to Postpone Presidential Aspirations Until 2031
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, has urged politicians from the...


Ola Aina Reflects on Frustrating Tottenham Experience that Changed His Career Path
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 29, 2025 0

A defender for the Super Eagles, Ola Aina, has shared that he nearly signed with Tottenham Hotspur w...


CAF Announces Record $10.4 Million Prize Pool for 2024 African Nations Championship
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

The Confederation of African Football has revealed an unprecedented total prize pool of $10.4 millio...


Victor Osimhen Set to Join Galatasaray: €75 Million Transfer from Napoli Finalized
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 30, 2025 0

Victor Osimhen is expected to arrive in Istanbul this week as Galatasaray prepares to introduce the...


Fayose Endorses Tinubu, Oyebanji for 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 29, 2025 0

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Gover...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu