Potential Biodiesel Production from Rice Bran Oil in Nigeria: A Synergy of B-20 Diesel Blend Policy and Rice Importation Ban

Abstract

In an attempt to meet the sustainable development goals (SDG)s and

a synergy on two government policies (ban on rice importation and

B-20 policy for diesel blend with biodiesel) to boost energy

production in Nigeria, rice bran has been examined as a potential

feedstock for the production of standard biodiesel. Rice bran

biodiesel has been found to be a promising sustainable fuel capable

of meeting heavy-duty energy demands of the emerging net-zero

carbon economy. However, one major setback that could affect the

massive deployment and commercialization of biodiesel is the

sustainable availability of efficient and effective feedstock needed for

biodiesel production. This paper extensively explores the potential

of biodiesel production from rice bran, a sustainable, available

biowaste material in Nigeria. With the assumption that the demand

for rice in Nigeria is satisfied by local production in line with the

ban on rice importation, an average of 47,048 metric tons of rice

bran biodiesel can be produced annually. With the continuous

increase in population and consequent rice consumption, biodiesel

from rice bran has been established to soon meet the demand on

biodiesel for B-20 policy in Nigeria. This again will significantly aid

in meeting SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 11

(Sustainable cities and environment).