…says it will ensure sustainable development in Nigeria’s Economy
In a bid to ensure sustainable development of the production of biofuels and biogas from non-edible fruits, in line with the global drive for environment-friendly source of energy, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund has said it is ready to sponsor more research of relevance in the oil and gas industry.
The acting Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development fund (PTDF), made this know during the annual oil and gas research grant peer review on 2014/2015 research cycle in Abuja.
He noted that, “Resources have been committed in this area as this has proved to be the appropriate solution to the challenges of the industry, and am glad to inform you that the result has been positive and encouraging, although more work needs to be done. “We are determined to improve on our previous achievements as adequate mechanisms have been put in place for the award of the 2015/2016 research grant.
According to him, the researches are commercially viable and good candidates for patenting. Galadima noted that PTDF had put in place actions to file for intellectual property rights and patency at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.
“I am glad to tell you that the result has been positive, although more work needs to be done, am reliably informed that efforts are being intensified to have this biofuel in commercial scale in the next research cycle,” he added.
His words, “I am glad to announce that two of the researches extended have secured intellectual property rights and patent, three of the six awarded in this cycle has showed high prospects of achieving potent certifications.”
“This is a milestone achievement in the first drive to fulfill one of the fund’s primary mandates of sponsoring researches of relevance for the oil and gas industry, the aim of the annual oil and gas research grant was to develop indigenous manpower in the country”.
He further disclosed that the commission is set to establish a national coordination centre for research on development of biofuel and other attractive resources in Kaduna.
Speaking on renewable energy and biofuels production, Galadima revealed that the fund planned to establish a National Coordination Centre for Research and Development, NCCRD, on biofuels and other alternative energy sources to be domiciled at the National Institute of Petroleum Policy and Strategy, NIPPS, Kaduna
He noted that the process will empower and encourage them to contribute more towards solving specific industry problems and promote spin-off of industries for rapid job creation and knowledge transfer in the country.
According to him, he called on well meaning stakeholders but local and international oil companies to provide necessary support to Nigerian researchers by providing them with relevant data, monetary and material assistance stating that it will enable them to showcase the product of research for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria economy.
Ealier, Galadima disclosed that six awardees got the grant which was based essentially on transparent selection procedures and processes established by the fund, while two awardees were requested to extend their search to the pilot stage in order to improve the integrity and reliability of the products for possible commercialization.
“Also among the six awardees listed, three have shown high prospects of achieving patent certifications”, he said.