Technical Analysis of Sawdust-to-Power: A Paradigm Shift in Waste Management in a Typical Developing Economy

Abstract

The proper management of sawdust is critical to socioeconomic development. In this research, waste-to-energy has been proposed to utilize sawdust in selected timber markets in Port Harcourt, namely, Illoabuchi Timber Market, Marine Base Timber Market, and Mile 3 Timber Market. A quantitative approach has been taken to estimate the sawdust generation, energy potential, power generation capacities, and pollutant reduction of indiscriminate combustion of sawdust. The findings suggest that, annually, 171 ktons, 42 ktons and 12 ktons of sawdust, respectively, are generated at the Illoabuchi, Marine Base, and Mile 3 timber markets. Also, the annual energy potential of sawdust in each of these timber markets is within 206-3000 TJ, while power generation is within 2.65-42.56 MW. The proposed power generation can serve the energy needs of the timber markets estimated at 10.2 GWh, 2.7 GWh, and 0.7 GWh, respectively, for Illoabuchi, Marine Base, and Mile 3 timber markets, and also provide extra clean energy for their host communities, respectively, at 308.8 GWh, 76 GWh, and 19.2 GWh, annually. Additionally, the study shows the potential for the reduction of pollutants: particulate matter at 5.85-85.5 tons, carbon monoxide at 760.5-11102 tons, sulfur dioxide at 0.59-8.55 tons, and nitrogen oxide at 5.85-85.5 tons. This research can support policy decisions on properly utilizing sawdust in Nigeria and societies with similar waste management challenges.