The Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) has forged partnerships with Nigerian universities to drive research initiatives in the realm of renewable energy, an alternative source of power.
The executive secretary of PTDF, Dr. Bello Gusau made this announcement during a workshop titled “Agro Waste to Energy: Biodiesel Bedrock of Energy Sufficiency in Nigeria,” held at the University of Benin. The workshop, organised by the PDTF Professionals Chair, aimed to expand the boundaries of knowledge by leveraging research outcomes on alternative energy sources.
The deputy general manager of strategic planning and documentation, Mr. Olayinka Agboola, represented Dr. Gusau at the event. According to Agboola, PTDF has invested funds in research endeavours to explore the potential of local materials in renewable energy. He emphasised that this effort is essential due to the intricate energy challenges in Nigeria, which necessitates diversification into alternative sources.
The deputy general manager highlighted the escalating costs of fossil fuels, the traditional energy source in Nigeria and stressed the urgency of harnessing solar, wind, and geothermal energy to mitigate these challenges.
The vice chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami extended gratitude to PTDF for their support in funding research at universities. She believed that such partnerships would propel society forward.
Scholars also weighed in on the matter. Prof. Ikuonase Emovon of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta, highlighted Nigeria’s vast renewable energy resources that could potentially alleviate power generation issues.
The PTDF chair-holder, Prof. Kessington Obahiagbon discussed the viability of biomass fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels. This shift comes as a response to increasing demand for clean energy, dwindling fuel reserves and the desire to reduce reliance on crude oil.
