The Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) says it has partnered with some Nigerian universities on research into alternative source of energy called renewable energy.

The PTDF’s Executive Secretary, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau, disclosed this at a workshop on Wednesday held at University of Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop titled: “Agro Waste to Energy: Biodiesel Bedrock of Energy Sufficiency in Nigeria” was organised by PDTF Professionals Chair.

Gusau was represented by the Deputy General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation, Mr Olayinka Agboola,

He said the workshop was to expand the frontier of knowledge based on findings of research work on alternative energy sources.

“We have invested funds in this research work, to see how we can make our local materials in renewable energy,” he said.

According to him, the effort became necessary due to the complexity of the energy problem in Nigeria which requires alternative sources.

The D-G pointed out that the fossil fuel used as a source of power by Nigerians is becoming expensive to procure, adding that time has come to harness solar, wind and geothermal as energy sources.

In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, commended PTDF for assisting the universities with research funds.

Salami, who was represented by her Deputy Vice Chancellor Ekhewan Campus, Prof. Buniyamin Ayinde, said that the partnership would move the society forward.

Speaking, a scholar Prof. Ikuonase Emovon of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta, said Nigeria is endowed with renewable energy resources capable of easing the power generation problems.

Also contributing, Prof. Kessington Obahiagbon, the PTDF Chair Holder, said biomass fuel is becoming a viable alternative for fossil fuels due to rising demand for clean energy, diminishing fuel stocks and lowering reliance on crude oil.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria