With the whole world clamouring for reduction in the burning of carbon in order to slow down the effects of global warming, Nigeria may soon be able to reduce its carbon emission by using ethanol fuel as substitute for kerosene.
Boma Anga, the chief executive officer of Cassava Agro Industries Service Ltd (CAISL) said in a telephone interview that Nigerians will soon be able to use ethanol across the country as an option for household cooking fuel.
"Nigerians will be able to purchase ethanol fuel for cooking by March 2010," said Mr. Anga. "The cooking fuel also known as Cassakero (cassava-kerosene) will be available to the public as an alternative to kerosene in order to reduce the money spent on fuel usage by most families," Mr. Anga added.
Ethanol as substitute
The idea of looking for a substitute for the carbonised cooking fuel (kerosene) and wood came as a result of the harmful impact on the environment and climate change.
Since carbon burning has been identified as one of the reasons for climate change, the world decided to look for alternative means in terms of biofuel, which is renewable fuel derived from biological matter, for instance biodiesel, biogas, and methane which are all believed to have less hazardous impact on the ecosystem.
Mr. Anga said the Cassakero initiative was planned as substitute for kerosene and wood for Nigerians through the production of ethanol from cassava root.
"This is to promote the use of ethanol as a substitute for kerosene in the country as this will reduce the greenhouse effect caused by the use of carbon fuel. The programme is targeted toward installing about 10,000 small-scale bio ethanol refineries in the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, over the next four years, to produce daily ethanol cooking fuel requirement for four million families," he said.
Food security
But the project is raising concerns about food security as cassava is a major staple of most Nigerians. It is used in producing flour which is made into a paste and the popular garri, eaten in most homes across the land.
Mr. Anga, however, said the project will not have any negative effect on cassava supply in the market nor will it affect food security as the companies will be using specially cultivated, industrial cassava.
"Considering the tonnes of cassava required for the project, I want to assure you that it will not endanger food security as we will be using non-edible industrial variety of cassava which will be planted on fresh land.
"We have already established a feedstock supply that will produce eight million tonnes of cassava at an average yield of 25 tonnes per hectares from 320,000 hectares to be planted nationwide. To also ensure a steady supply of cassava for the feedstock, we have signed a contract with Nigerian Cassava Growers Association (NCGA) to supply eight million tonnes of cassava tubers," he added.
He said the contract would benefit over 250,000 cassava farmers across the country with additional 400,000 hectares to be deployed for cassava cultivation as the refinery will require 40 hectares of cassava to supply 100 per cent feedstock requirement annually.
Cassava farmers welcome the initiative
Cassava farmers see this as a welcome initiative, as it will increase the market for the produce and encourage more people to embark on farming.
Jimoh Bashir, a cassava farmer, said the initiative is a good one as this will allow more farmers to cultivate the crop more, knowing that there is a market for it as compared to when farmers had to seek for buyers to buy the commodity from them.
"This is a nice initiative that we hope will last long as it will open up the market," Mr. Bashir said.
"Most of what is produced in the country is used in the food sector. Having the product used in the industries will only enhance our financial status as this means there will be more produce with a ready market. This means most of the farmers that have abandoned farming will be lured back to it," he said.
Mr. Bashir is, however, concerned about the affect of this on food production in the country as there is a tendency for farmers to change from producing edible cassava for the industrialised ones.
"This might, however, pose a threat to the production of edible cassava by farmers. Farmers will tend to concentrate more on producing the industrial cassava root with a ready market and use, than cultivating the normal ones. This might also affect the market price of the crop," he said.
Economic implications for Nigerians
With the federal government's plan to deregulate the downstream oil sector which might lead to a sharp increase in the prices of petroleum products, especially kerosene, the domestic cooking fuel for most households, the average Nigerian will have to spend more on the purchase of the product or seek alternative means such as coal or wood which will further endanger the environment.
Mr. Anga arued that ethanol will be cheaper and available for the masses as it burns slower than the normal kerosene fuel.
"The new fuel will be locally produced; and provide Nigerians with a new household fuel for use in cooking, lighting, heating, refrigeration and electricity generation. This fuel will be cleaner, safer and cheaper than kerosene without the need for government subsidy and the introductory price will be retailed at about N75 per litre," he said.
"The production and the distribution of the ethanol based appliances will create employment and wealth to investors and the nation in general. The programme will also create sustainable employment and reduce poverty and deforestation while enhancing food and energy security in the Nation.
"The primary goal is to make ethanol as a cooking fuel available, accessible and affordable, in a commercially profitable and sustainable manner, to low income Nigerians," he added.
Hope rises on ethanol from cassava
Stories bioethanol from Sukabumi
Three months ago while fired a cup of coffee, Wien Iskandar bioetanol products to offer transportation drivers city. The result of the owners of numbers in Sukabumi, West Java, now regularly buy artificial bioethanol Wien Iskandar. Five hundred liters bioethanol production a day, fill out the tanks the numbers. Tarumanagara University alumni that meraup earnings-Rp111 million a month from business bioethanol.
Wien Iskandar owners to sell bioethanol numbers in 2 forms. From bioethanol production of 500 liters per day, 400 liters sold directly to the price of Rp. 8000, 10,000 per liter. Driver-driver to buy a few liters of numbers and mixed with their own premium in the tank car. Meanwhile, 100 liters of other, he oplos with premium and sold Rp. 5,000 per liter. Bioetanol share of only 10% alias E10. Mixture is also called gasohol shortness of gasoline alcohol.
Currently, 600 numbers recorded in Sukabumi routine 'consume' bioethanol cardboard Wien. 'It was a lot of owners suspicious numbers, I mix with kerosene and size does not fit,' said the man was 49 years old recall. To convince consumers, the owner of PT Panca Jaya Raharja bioethanol give it free for 2 days. Because feel more comfortable, they eventually become customers bioetanol production Wien Iskandar.
'Towing machine so more light. I will continue to use bioethanol, 'said H. Sapari, the owner of numbers. Two months since November 2007, he was subscribing to bioetanol to fuel 3 angkotnya majors Cidahu-Cicurug, both in Sukabumi. Each numbers to 25 liters of E10 fuel per day. Bioethanol used by the owner Sapari numbers and other raw cassava is based sugar cane waste
Bioethanol, fuel Friendly Environment
BOGOR - When cassava can be processed into confectionery, it is normal. But when the cassava is processed into fuel oil (fuel), high-quality, which called the bioetanol certainly extraordinary. With certain techniques and processes, cassava can be processed into fuel.
To produce one liter six bioethanol required half a kilogram of cassava. So that can be applied in the vehicle, bioetanol still must be mixed with a premium. The difference one appeal or nine liters of bioethanol should be mixed with nine liters of premium.
According to Eka Bukit, produesen bioethanol, the use of this type of fuel gas emissions dispose of the vehicle so low. "The engines are not titillate," said Eka at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, West Java. Not only that, researchers from the IPB also assess the quality of bioethanol equivalent pertamax.
Bioethanol have been sold freely in the market with a price of around Rp 15 thousand per liter. However, to use, machines, vehicles must be modified first. For that you want to know how to make bioetanol, can follow the training provided IPB free.
Many talked about ethanol
Many people will not know fuel from Ethanol, have never been thought of a root crop to have components for this ethanol fuel.
Recently, a plant express $40million to yield ethanol from cassava which have been expostulated among general public.
For the agriculture industry, this ethanol production could mean greater employment opportunities for cassava farmers while in economic terms, the increasing produce in cassava farming for ethanol production could boost the country's Gross Domestic Product.
Nevertheless, produce of ethanol fuel earns even exported to boost the relation of international trades, idea to change cassava into ethanol fuel, or into likelier fuel, be a miracle.
It is best known as the alcohol found in thermometers and alcoholic beverages. It is often referred to as alcohol. However, in more simple terms, ethanol fuel is fuel derived from the decomposition of the organic compounds of ethyl alcohol. Ethanol is also known as ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol or grain alcohol. After the use of fire, the fermentation of sugar into ethanol is perhaps the earliest organic reaction known to humanity. Fermentation simply means the process of culturing yeast under conditions to produce alcohol.
Newest visit a delegation of commerce from country China with ambassador Fiji Sir James Ah Koy has caused reaction where some people has received this initiative as an encouragement for country while the other sees this thing like having an environmental destruction influence especially in heating global.
However, knows that this thing which is idea amazing to make cassava becomes ethanol fuel to draw and really fascinates.
Bio-fuel engineer in Biofuel Unit in Department from Energy Vilimone Vosarogo says idea to yield ethanol fuel started at Brazil August 1971.
He says this is because of commodity exchange incorporated surplus un-sellable a real big from which they start reducing ethanol for fuel from commodity exchange incorporated.
Mr Vosarogo says some nations in area Pacific Asia like Thailand, Malaysia, Country China and Indonesia has in the process of yields ethanol fuel from cassava.
He says Fiji is ideal country to produce this because of climate that enabling produce of high energy yield like cassava.
"The economy will save a big percentage from the Annual Fuel Input bill and foreign exchange earnings," Mr Vosarogo said.
"That will yield on the ground is made cash flow with purchasing on the ground yields fuel and about courses there will be a a real big rural worker market as thing which the main suppliers at this ethanol fuel plant.
"There will be also one improvement to present indiscreetly contributes sector, independence lessened in social prosperity, reduced pressure from science and in an a real short repays time, a a real return height for plant from this $40 million in four years," he says.
"Actually, there will be a downdraft of Greenhouse gas emissions.
"Which is effective decay factor and strongest in lessening global warmness.
"This is the best way to refer good area and expansion responsible.
"Fiji under no obligation to give a cent for repair from program but for downstream is of benefit, that becomes is better to have control from its(the product and consumption," he says.
"This is why a joint venture with farmers is necessary though some kind of arrangement"
Mr Vosarogo said to turn cassava into ethanol fuel, the cassava must first be fermented with a catalyst.
He said this goes through a distillation process and after further controlled distillations, ethanol fuel is produced which has to be below 0.5 per cent water content to be engine compliant for full combustion and vehicle maintenance.
He said the suppliers of cassava were open to the general public of Fiji.
"In fact, it is deliberately priced lower than the current market price to address the issue of an increase in prices of cassava for local consumption.
"The factory will buy at 30 cents a kilo compared to around 50 cents per kilo in the market.
"However, idea to yield ethanol fuel from cassava to refer national energy crisis because fuel costs rising, reduction oil fuel back up, global trend to look for alternative fuel, manipulation near by nations OPEC to improve repair condition of climates and a reduction of Greenhouse gas emissions"
Mr Vosarogo had earlier stated that over $1.2billion was spent on importing fuel last year.
He said there were more than 80,000 cars in Fiji where 67 per cent of these would be able to use ethanol directly.
He said all cars made after 1992 and most imported cars could also use ethanol.
He said ethanol production was not just for land transport but also for sea, air and generators.
In modern times, ethanol was intended for industrial use but later its production from by-products of petroleum refining has become more popular.
Ethanol has an extensive use as a solvent for substances intended for human contact or consumption including scents, flavorings, colorings and medicine. Ethanol is an essential solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products. Its toxicity to yeast limits the ethanol concentration obtainable by brewing.
The fermentation process must exclude oxygen. In order to produce ethanol from starchy materials, the starch must first be converted into sugars.
The largest single use of ethanol is as a motor fuel and fuel additive while the largest national fuel ethanol industries exist in Brazil.
US$100m Ethanol Plan - Changhae Tapioka
An US$100 million (K293. 7 million) cassava bio-fuel plan is now taking form in Central state, aimed at cashing in on the growing popularity of the fuel additive ethanol – a cassava byproduct – in the reality marketplace
Funded by Korean firm Changhae Tapioka (PNG), the plan is now on its best stage in which the almost workable cassava kind is being determined. The party said it expects to recognize at the conclusion of this year which kind out of the 10 being tested decent now is easily suited for the plan. The almost appropriate cassava kind will be propagated by participating farmers countrywide. Project developer Changhae Tapioka, a Korean-based investor, plans to produce over 20,000ha in Launakalana for its core orchard which includes 100ha for the greenhouse place in Bore. Local farmers would be encouraged to mass-produce the kind and provide it to the party.
Last Thursday, a field-day was organised at the greenhouse place to view the advancement on the plan, with thick equipment, seedlings and greenhouse already on hand. Changhae Tapioka principal administrator policeman John Lim said he appreciated the backing for the plan from the surrounding villages, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the provincial regime. He said that through difficult job, the folk would be rewarded for their efforts in the next two years when the plan becomes amply operating. Mr Lim said at existing, there are 55 local workers involved in the plan and that he expects to increase the amount as the land expands. The second cassava land to be developed will be launched in New Ireland state next month, the party said.
Central provincial executive Rahael Yipmaramba told landowners and the folk Rigo the plan is the “start of their lives and that they must view it through. Changhae Tapioka said the global marketplace for bio-fuel (ethanol) has since been growing quickly and is expected to rise still farther payable to the increasing popularity of ethanol, a byproduct of cassava, as a fuel additive to petrol. Bio-fuel is not simply an unconventional fuel but too environmentally-friendly and could be used in existing vehicles in dominated sum without the demand for any locomotive modifications. Mr Lim noted that the plan will offer a large hike to the agricultural economy as it will yield income for the farmers and offer large utilization. Ethanol as fuel is really favorite in developing countries like the Philippines, Thailand, India and China.
Study Ethanol Plan - Tailevu Provincial
THE proposed building of an ethanol producing plant is a better thought but it must be looked at cautiously, says Tailevu Provincial Council chairwoman Josefa Serulagilagi. The Tailevu Province was one of several provinces mentioned by the Ministry of Agriculture as areas where big scale cassava planting could be undertaken. He said whatever cassava agriculture was done in the state was carried away on a subsistence ground. "It is significant for base to be there so that areas are available," said Mr Serulagilagi. "There was a large lump of soil in Tailevu which has get available newly because roads were constructed there. " He cited Vatukarasa and Tonia villages, saying there were new villages in the state that had a plenty of idle soil that could not be accessed because there were no appropriate roads. Mr Seruilagilagi said all he had heard about the ethanol plant was what had been published in the media.
"It is a better thought but should be looked at cautiously as those in the villages will need a best cost than what they are getting for their cassava at the marketplace. "If the cost (of the cassava) is there, so I am certain they (farmers) will be for it and plant cassava. "However, regime has to go the lead character and determine whether we have the capability (to develop cassava) or if there is idle soil the facilities should be there. " Attempts to have comments from Serua Provincial Council chairwoman Atunaisa Lacabuka were failed yesterday. Last week, a Chinese deal commission suggested a $40m plant.
Cassava Ethanol Plan - Cina
A visiting Chinese deal commission led by Fiji’s Ambassador to China, Sir James Ah Koy, is negotiating with authorities here to establish upward a mill to develop ethanol from cassava.
Sir James says discussions have been held with the Native Land Trust Board and the Fijian Affairs Board - on a workings in partnership with the Chinese Government. He says the mill will be an economical saviour for the Fijian folk. “The agriculture position, we will be on a multilateral venture with the landowners, the mataqali and yavusa. "The output of ethanol, we will be on a multilateral venture with Fijian Affairs or Native Lands Trust or sure companies,” Sir James adds.
He says the mill will require a continual supply of cassava to enable it to develop ethanol ceaselessly.
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