Scientists from the Rwanda Forestry Authority have discovered two types of trees capable of producing clean electricity, powering isolated communities.

Rwanda aims to achieve full electricity access by 2030, but rural areas still need greater electricity availability.

In response, scientists are investigating the possibility of generating electricity from biomass from sustainably grown plants, by assessing the energy capacity of different tree species.

Replace conventional fuels

Bonaventure Ntirugulirwa, lead researcher behind the initiative, mentioned that biomass has been largely neglected, even though it has the potential to serve as an energy substitute for traditional fossil fuels.

“This project was designed to meet the electricity needs of rural areas,” he said.

After examining the biomass potential of various fast-growing trees and shrubs, researchers identified Siamean Senna And Gliricidia sepium as the main contenders for electricity production.

The dense wood and high calorific value of these trees ensure they burn efficiently, providing a high heat option compared to fossil fuels.

Ntirugulirwa says the aim of the study was to identify trees that burn efficiently and find sustainable solutions to energy shortages in remote areas.

He noted that the study would “contribute to achieving several objectives, including safeguarding land, improving soil quality, ensuring food security, combating climate change and reducing rural poverty” .

Versatile tree species

Researchers have studied the possibilities offered by versatile tree species like Cajanus cajan (pigeon peas), Calliandra calothyrsus, Abyssinic Hagenia (African redwood), and Senna spectabilis (white-barked senna).

These trees not only provide a fuel source for generating electricity, but also essential resources for farmers and their communities, according to Ntirugulirwa.

“Farmers were allowed to test a given set of practices on their farm and select those that work best under their conditions,” he explained.

He said farmers in various regions recognize their favorite species based on local circumstances and requirements.

After identifying the most promising tree species, the researchers say their current priority is electricity production.

According to Ntirugulirwa, the initiative will depend on farmers’ commitment to growing enough biomass to produce energy to achieve this.

Generate electricity

So far the team has evaluated heating value of biomass to the Rwanda Standards Board.

However, tests for other essential elements like carbon and hydrogen will need to be carried out in Sweden, as Rwanda needs specialist equipment.

Babatunde Ajayi, a professor specializing in wood products and bioresource technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, praised the project’s approach to tackling food shortages, poverty and environmental deficiencies. electricity in rural areas.

“It’s a good thing that this initiative addresses these issues,” he said.

“Using biomass to generate electricity is a welcome idea, especially in rural areas where access to electricity is extremely difficult,” Ajayi added.

He compared the procedure to solar power, which harnesses sunlight to produce electricity.

“Once you feed the biomass into a machine, it will convert it into electrical energy,” Ajayi said.

“It’s like using solar power, where a panel is outside, the sun beats on the panel and it’s converted to electricity.”