Improving energy use efficiency in Nigeria's industrial sector: a case study of a beverage plant

Industrial energy is a major component of the total energy use in a nation. However, energy is not without a cost in its production, availability, use and even its environmental impact on society. In addition, most of the energy resources are depletable, thereby necessitating their sustainable use through energy efficiency improvement programs. In this investigation, an attempt was made to study the energy consumption pattern and management in a beverage plant in Nigeria. The plot of energy intensity and productivity for the period of 1989-1996 showed an increase in growth in energy intensity coupled with a simultaneous productivity declining trend which portrayed inefficiency in the plant's energy use. A combustion analysis of the boilers in the plant also revealed that it was possible to obtain a fuel saving of about 12% by improving boiler efficiency alone. This would reduce the total energy cost of the plant by at least 1.1% per annum and also cut down CO <SUB align="right"><SMALL>2</SMALL></SUB> emissions into the atmosphere by at least 1071 tons every year. Based on these revelations, the paper presents other direct benefits of energy efficiency improvements to the industry. Strategies and policies for institutionalising energy efficiency improvements both at the micro (firm) and macro (national) levels for energy conservation in the country are also recommended.