Professor Meihong Wang (Professor of Energy Systems at the University of Sheffield), Dr Olajide Otitoju (Postdoc Researcher at the University of Sheffield, and former PhD student of Prof. Wang), and Dr Eni Oko (Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, and former PhD student and Postdoc Researcher of Prof. Wang) have been recognised for their innovative approach to reducing harmful emissions while promoting the production of cleaner, sustainable fuels with their project: ‘Process Intensification Technology for Greenhouse Emission Control in Power Generation and Industry for Sustainable Fuel Production (PIC-FUEL).’
This announcement underscores the significance of this year’s competition theme: ‘Innovations and Technologies for Reducing the Effect of Climate Change.’
Professor Wang, who specialises in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) , is a two-time winner of the Nigeria Prize for Science, having previously won in 2019 for his work on carbon capture and energy storage.
Professor Wang said: “We started our research on process intensification for carbon capture and CO2 utilisation since 2010. I am glad to see that these technologies from our research group have been recognised in this way. I also feel very proud to be able to train many talents originally from Nigeria at PhD or Postdoc levels.”
The PIC-FUEL technology works by capturing CO2 emissions directly from industrial sources using a Rotating Packed Bed. The captured emissions are then absorbed using a solvent, and through a reaction with hydrogen in an electrolyser, the captured CO2 is converted into methanol. This methanol can be blended with diesel, contributing to the decarbonisation of transportation and power generation sectors.
“This approach offers both environmental and economic benefits,” The Chairman of the Prize Advisory Board Prof Nnaji explained. “Not only does it reduce the need for expensive government subsidies to meet Nigeria’s net-zero goals by 2060, but it also strengthens the local economy by reducing reliance on imported diesel. With the implementation of this technology, Nigeria could save up to $500 million annually in foreign exchange.”
The Advisory Board highlighted the potential of PIC-FUEL to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape, reducing the cost of cutting emissions by 30-40%, which could translate to savings of $120-140 billion in the national budget for the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan.
The technology could also play a significant role in achieving the country’s 2060 net-zero target.
Proof of the PIC-FUEL concept has already been established in the UK and Norway, signalling the potential for rapid deployment in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Prize for Science continues to celebrate and promote innovations that address critical challenges facing the nation, with this year’s winners offering a transformative solution for both Nigeria’s environment and economy.