An Assessment of Sawmill Wood Waste Availability for Use in Gasifiers in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

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Abstract

This study adopts a descriptive research design and employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both primary and secondary data, to assess wood waste generation and management techniques in sawmills across Ondo State, Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the availability of wood waste and its potential utilization as feedstock for mini-grid gasifiers to generate electricity from renewable sources. Data were collected through surveys, observations, and analysis of sawmill operations. The findings revealed that wood waste comprised residues from the primary conversion of logs, with sawdust contributing the largest quantity. Sawmills in Akure South, with the highest log conversion capacity, contributed the largest volume of wood waste. On average, wood waste generation (WWG) was 44% per log, while lumber recovery (LR) was 56% per head rig, with variations linked to factors such as log shape, size, and conversion techniques, indicating inefficient log conversion in the state. Additionally, wood waste management practices were inadequate, with lumber cut-offs, slabs, and bark sold at a low value and sawdust often disposed of cheaply for domestic use. This study confirms that wood waste can be efficiently utilized as feedstock in mini-grid gasifiers, providing a sustainable solution for electricity generation in Akure, Ondo State.

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