Biofuel as an alternative for Sub-Saharan Africa’s transition to cleaner energy
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Energy plays a vital role in the social and economic development of any nation. Compared to other regions of the world, Sub-Saharan
Africa lags behind in energy access. About half of the population lacks access to electricity and other cleaner fuels. With vast arable
land and good climatic and soil conditions, Sub-Saharan Africa could address its energy supply challenges through bioenergy. This
article reviews the biofuel potential of some Sub-Saharan African countries, the reasons why biofuel is suitable for the region, and the
barriers hindering its expansion and development. Findings from the review indicate that some progress has been made in bioethanol
and biogas production; however, biodiesel production is still in its infancy stage in the region. Most of the feedstocks for biofuel
production are from agricultural waste. Among the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa and Kenya have shown great
prospects in the development and utilization of biomass resources for the production of cleaner fuels. Biofuel adoption in the energy
mix of Sub-Saharan African countries will reduce overdependence on the importation of crude oil, thereby saving huge foreign
exchange. It will also provide employment to millions of people in the agricultural value chain through the cultivation of bioenergy
crops. In terms of climate change mitigation, biofuel holds great potential in reducing carbon emission associated with fossil fuels.
Keywords
TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery, TP Chemical technology