A comparative analysis of city-based MSW for power generation

The erratic electricity supply in Nigeria has triggered some drawbacks in the growth of the economy which has led to some major companies relocating to neighboring countries where constant electric power is assured. Again, the rapid population growth of Abuja, Nigeria, as a result of migration and immigration of people with different culture and nationality has led to an excessive Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation with little waste management strategy. However, safeguarding the social welfare of the citizens is paramount to the government. On this note, the study aims to utilize MSW stream as a supplementary solution for power generation and distribution in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study used the proximity, and ultimate analyses to estimate the calorific values (Higher Heat Value (HHV) and the Lower Heat Value (LHV)) of the MSW components for Abuja, Nigeria, and Porto, Portugal; also, the study estimates and compares the cities' power generation potential (Qgp) from the MSW. The results showed that the calorific values estimated from the MSW generated in Porto and Abuja are HHV (3136.05 kcal/kg and 3515.81 kcal/kg), and LHV (3117.38 kcal/kg and 3495 kcal/kg), respectively. The later includes results from the estimated Qgp (Porto) and Qgp (Abuja) using equivalent weights of 100 tons intervals from 100 to 2000 tons showed that the ratio between the Qgp of Porto to Abuja is 1: 0.89. Also, it depicts that the ratio of the population generating these equivalent weights (Wt) of MSW at per person daily generation for Porto and Abuja is 1: 1.71.