Are biofuels the answer to sustainable energy in Africa?

With a targeted population of approximately two billion people by 2050 , there is pressure on Africa to find renewable and sustainable sources of energy to meet its growing demands. Moreover, energy still plays a bigger role in the continent's socio- economic development success. Among the explorable forms of energy are biofuels ( solid, liquid or gas fuels predominantly produced from biomass). Just like any other existing phenomenon, there are several pros and cons connected to this form.

Various benefits arise from use of biofuels. Ranging from fungibility (they are interchangeable with petroleum derivatives) to durability of vehicles' engines. They pose enormous rewards to the users . Biofuels are mainly preferred due to their energy efficiency. One of the ways of achieving energy sustainability is to improve fuel efficiency. In alignment to this,it provides a leeway to improving efficiency.

There is no doubt that for constant energy supply to be realized, source of raw materials should be guaranteed. Not only is biomass renewable but can be species-specifically grown in vast lands to facilitate industrial production. In the long run ,reduced use of fossil fuels improve air quality in general. Concentration of contaminants, notably, carbon dioxide reduce significantly. Overtime, a substantial reduction in the climate change effect is realized. Not only is this research topic interesting in terms of solving the dilemma between biofuels but also acts as a double edged sword as it offers solutions for mitigation of climate change in the long term basis .

Current energy alternatives in the  market are somehow relatively unaffordable to most households below the poverty line in the Sub-saharan Africa. Biofuels, seek in a way to provide cheap and efficient energy for a large group of households. In partnership with various government bodies , many households will eventually get connected to the grid.

While outwardly celebrating and highlighting benefits of biofuels, the other side of it is as much devastating as it is of merit . Initially, the cost of production is comparatively high . This adds up when the cost of establishing the facility is considered. A lot of countries can't afford to overlook other sectors' priorities for an establishment of these facilities. This might discourage construction in nations that do not prioritize science and technology.

Taking spatial consideration into an account, biomass needed as raw material may not be uniformly spread over a certain geographic area. Agricultural production of these biomass is thus the last resort. It is synonymous with the deleterious effects of monoculture attributed to it. Not to mention, the adverse effects of using inorganic fertilizers continuously to the soil. This creates competition for  arable land for food production leading to shortages or insecurities.

In addition, some industries do not adhere to the set emission standards and measures of environmental protection. In the process of this ignorance, pollution occurs affecting the vital diversities of the vegetation. Water is also needed in large quantities for production. This puts pressure on the water sources to supply all the water requirements for biofuels production processes. Hydrological cycle gets affected in a minimal way .

In conclusion, this is quite a hard topic to decide. Should we go for energy sustainability and overlook the effects? Or Choose to prevent the effects associated with biofuels production and sacrifice on energy sustainability?

KEVINE ODONGO OGOLLO
Email: ko3695182@gmail.com
Third Year Student at the Technical University of Mombasa