Energy, water and climate nexus: A case study of Cameroon

Cameroon is a country that is well endowed with natural resources including fertile arable lands, freshwater bodies, crude oil and other energy sources. The country's oil exploitation however results in significant pollution of Cameroon's land, water and air. Modern bioenergy is seen as having good potential to offset the reliance on crude oil. This study investigated the biomass resource availability from agricultural residues for liquid biofuel (as transportation fuel) and bioelectricity. Our findings indicate that sustainably extracted agricultural re
sidues could yield 1.11 million bone dry tons per year. Using current bioconversion efficiency rates, the residues could potentially yield 0.12-0.32 billion liters of ethanol annually that is enough to offset 18-48% of the national consumption of gasoline. For bioelectricity generation, the same residues could
provide 0.76-2.02 TW h, or 15-38% of Cameroon's current electricity consumption. The potential water savings and avoided greenhouse gas missions
from the use of agricultural residues for liquid biofuels and bioelectricity relative to crude oil have also been estimated. Modern bioenergy from agricultural residues does not pose concern to food security in Cameroon but rather it could be effectively utilized to improve food availability through provision of energy for increased production and preservation. Additionally, reduced water utilization and greenhouse emissions relative to crude oil are positive advantages associated with the use of agricultural residues. The study provides policy recommendations to help encourage modern bioenergy applications from residues in Cameroon.