PTDF urges universities to turn research into marketable renewable energy solutions

Beyond providing an alternative energy source, such innovations can support waste management, entrepreneurship, local technology development and employment opportunities for young Nigerians,” he said.

The PTDF executive secretary stressed that universities and research institutions needed to move beyond producing academic publications to developing technologies that could be tested, adopted by industries and commercialised.

“We therefore encourage researchers to ensure that research outcomes move beyond academic publications to technology development, demonstration, industry adoption and commercialisation,” he said.

His remarks highlighted the importance of connecting university research with industry needs, particularly in areas where locally developed technologies could contribute to energy security, environmental sustainability and economic diversification.

The Fund’s position also places emphasis on building the capacity of Nigerian researchers to develop solutions with practical applications, rather than limiting research outcomes to academic settings.

Professor Highlights Potential of Agricultural Waste

Presenting the paper, Obahiagbaon said global dependence on fossil diesel had contributed to greenhouse gas emissions and energy insecurity.

He identified the global energy crisis, climate change and the growing burden of waste management as reasons agricultural waste could become an important resource for renewable fuel development.

According to him, converting agricultural waste into biodiesel aligns with the principles of the circular economy, which seeks to maximise the value of resources by reducing waste and finding productive uses for discarded materials.

“It converts a liability into an asset: waste becomes fuel, and waste management becomes a revenue stream,” he said.

The approach offers a potential pathway for turning agricultural residues into useful energy products while reducing the amount of waste requiring disposal.

Obahiagbaon also highlighted the possible economic opportunities associated with biodiesel production, particularly for young people who could participate in activities connected to waste collection, processing, technology development and fuel production.

However, he noted that the development of a viable biodiesel industry in Nigeria would depend on addressing several practical challenges.

Feedstock Supply, Production Standards Remain Challenges

Speaking on the challenges and future direction of biodiesel development in Nigeria, Obahiagbaon identified feedstock availability and cost as critical considerations.

He said maintaining a stable and affordable supply of raw materials would be essential to supporting consistent biodiesel production.

The availability of agricultural waste alone may not guarantee commercial success, as producers would also need reliable systems for collecting, transporting and processing the materials required for fuel production.

Obahiagbaon advocated the development of sustainable standards for biodiesel production, highlighting the need for an organised framework to guide the sector’s development.

The emphasis on standards reflects the importance of establishing reliable production processes as researchers and industry stakeholders explore the commercial potential of alternative fuels.

The discussion also underscored the need to connect research findings with practical production requirements, ensuring that technologies developed in universities can be assessed for wider application.

While the presentation highlighted opportunities in agricultural waste conversion, no specific production targets, commercialisation timeline or funding commitment for scaling up the research was announced at the ceremony.

UNIBEN Reaffirms Commitment to Renewable Energy Research

In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), described the PTDF Professional Chair in Renewable Energy as an important platform for the institution over its six years of existence.

He said the chair had served as a starting point for the university’s efforts in the area and reaffirmed the institution’s willingness to sustain partnerships across different fields of study.

“We will continue to partner with graduates in every field of study,” Omoregie said.

The vice-chancellor also emphasised the importance of renewable energy in addressing the effects of climate change, noting that the development of alternative energy sources deserved sustained attention.

“We are involved in this effort to try to draw attention to renewable energy as a major finding source of energy.

Because of the problem of climate change, we know that it is worth looking at renewable energy sources to be able to mitigate the impact of climate change,” he said.

The close-out ceremony brought together discussions on research, renewable energy, environmental protection and youth employment, with speakers stressing the need to translate scientific work into practical solutions.

The PTDF and the university highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration in developing technologies that could contribute to Nigeria’s energy needs, while the presentation on agricultural waste offered a framework for exploring the links between waste management, alternative fuel production and economic opportunity.