Abia launches biogas pilot project to boost renewable energy innovation

Technology

UMUAHIA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — Abia State Government has launched a pilot biogas project at a secondary school in Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, as part of efforts to promote renewable energy, research and technological innovation across the state.

The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, David Kalu, disclosed this during a news conference in Umuahia following the State Executive Council meeting.

Kalu described the initiative as a locally-driven renewable energy project aimed at testing the viability, affordability and adaptability of biogas technology in schools and public institutions.

According to him, the project, which was recently deployed at the school, is expected to begin gas production within four weeks.

“The idea is to determine whether it is easy to implement, cost-effective and acceptable to the school community. If successful, it can be replicated in other schools and institutions across the state,” he said.

He added that the government would assess feedback from the pilot programme before considering a broader rollout across Abia State.

The commissioner also spoke on the Federal Government’s “Energised Commercialisation Now” initiative, which seeks to promote research, innovation and commercialisation of viable projects nationwide.

According to Kalu, Abia State has been directed to establish a committee comprising representatives from government, academia and industry to coordinate the initiative within the state.

He disclosed that the committee would include members from Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, alongside private sector stakeholders.

The committee, he said, would identify commercially viable research projects and innovations for presentation at the federal level.

Kalu further revealed that the state government plans to use the committee to develop a comprehensive research and innovation policy focused on solving local challenges, utilising local resources and supporting commercially sustainable innovations.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the biogas project was designed to demonstrate how renewable energy can be generated from organic waste within schools and institutions.

According to him, the initiative would also generate research data capable of supporting large-scale deployment of biogas technology across the state.

Kanu noted that the project aligns with the state’s science, technology and innovation framework aimed at strengthening research and development.

He also confirmed that the state had approved the establishment of a committee to drive the Federal Government-backed “Energised Commercialisation Now” programme.

According to him, the committee would comprise innovators, startups and researchers, while also facilitating the development and presentation of market-ready innovations and research outputs.

Kanu added that the initiative would strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and government stakeholders, with special emphasis on youth and women participation.