SIGNIFICANCE OF GREEN ENERGY PLANT TO LANDMARK UNIVERSITY; Landmark University Commissioning of Biogas as Source of Renewable Energy

• Post by: bankole
• November 8, 2023
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy 

As a university that strategically pursues sustainable development goals for the betterment of the environment. These considerations have been the major drivers for this project. Green energy, also known as renewable energy, refers to energy sources that are environmentally friendly and sustainable, producing little to no greenhouse gas emissions or harmful pollutants. The benefits of green energy are numerous and impactful, and they contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet. Some of the key benefits to landmark University and its environment include:

1. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Green energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power produce little to no carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases when generating electricity. This helps combat climate change and reduces the overall carbon footprint, as they do not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
2. Mitigation of climate change: By transitioning to green energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to global warming and climate change. Using renewable energy sources helps to limit the rise in global temperatures, minimize extreme weather events, and protect ecosystems.
3. Energy security and independence: Green energy sources are often abundant and locally available, reducing the dependence on imported fossil fuels. This can enhance energy security and protect countries from fluctuations in international fuel prices or geopolitical tensions related to energy resources.
4. Sustainable and inexhaustible: Renewable energy sources are replenished naturally and are virtually inexhaustible. For example, sunlight, wind, and flowing water are continuously available, making them a reliable long-term solution for meeting energy demands.
5. Improved public health: Green energy sources do not produce harmful air pollutants like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which are commonly associated with burning fossil fuels. By reducing air pollution, green energy helps improve air quality and reduces the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
6. Decentralization of energy production: Renewable energy sources can be harnessed locally, reducing the need for long-distance transmission of electricity. This decentralization can make communities more resilient to power outages and enhance energy access in remote areas.
7. Long-term cost savings: While the initial investment in green energy infrastructure may be higher, the operational costs are generally lower than those associated with fossil fuels. As technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of renewable energy continues to decrease, leading to long-term cost savings.

Overall, transitioning to green energy is essential for a sustainable and environmentally responsible future, and its widespread adoption plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change and securing a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

BENEFITS OF  BIOGAS UTILIZATION AND KEY CHALLENGES ADDRESSED IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

Biogas is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as agricultural waste, food waste, sewage sludge, and animal manure. It primarily consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), along with trace amounts of other gases. The significance of biogas lies in its various benefits and applications:

1. Renewable energy: Biogas is a renewable energy source because it is produced from organic waste materials that continuously replenish. As long as there is organic matter available for anaerobic digestion, biogas can be generated continuously. (SDG 7)
2. Greenhouse gas reduction: Biogas production helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When organic waste decomposes in landfills or is left untreated, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By capturing and utilizing the methane in biogas, it prevents it from being released into the atmosphere, which is crucial for mitigating climate change. (SDG 11)
3. Energy production: Biogas can be used for electricity generation and as a fuel for various applications. It can power gas turbines or be burned in engines to produce electricity, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for power generation.
4. Cooking and heating: Biogas can be used directly for cooking and heating in households, particularly in rural areas. This application reduces the dependence on traditional biomass fuels like wood and charcoal, which can help alleviate deforestation and indoor air pollution. (SDG 9)
5. Transport fuel: Biogas can be upgraded and purified to produce biomethane, which has similar properties to natural gas. Biomethane can be used as a clean and renewable transportation fuel, reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles. (SDG 7)
6. Waste management: The process of anaerobic digestion used to produce biogas helps in waste management by converting organic waste into useful energy. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, minimizing environmental pollution and the generation of methane emissions from decomposing waste. (SDG 11)
7. Agricultural benefits: The residue left after anaerobic digestion, known as digestate, is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. It can be used to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields, closing the loop in sustainable agriculture practices. (SDG 9)
8. Distributed energy production: Biogas can be produced locally, making it suitable for decentralized energy production. This aspect is especially useful in rural and remote areas, where traditional energy infrastructure may be lacking. (SDG 7)
9. Environmental sustainability: Biogas promotes a circular economy by utilizing organic waste that would otherwise be discarded or left to decompose, turning it into a valuable energy source and fertilizer. This aligns with the principles of sustainability and resource efficiency. (SDG 11)

The significance of biogas lies in its potential to address multiple challenges, including waste management, greenhouse gas emissions, energy security, and rural development. It plays a vital role in the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy future.