Power generation scenarios for Cameroon: Valorisation of biomass for the reduction of electricity transmission and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

This work aimed at solving the environmental problem of the hottest greenhouse gas reduction. The paper identifies the energy electricity demand, proposes solutions, and calculates the greenhouse gases emitted in each of the interconnected networks available in Cameroon. For a total production estimated at 1292 MW, the country's electricity production depends heavily on hydropower plants (57%), thermal power plants (42%), and only 1% of biomass. Specifically, biomass would contribute to 40% of the supply of the demand if it is sufficiently exploited. Hydroelectricity needs transmission for long distances. The electricity demand in the median economic scenario is the basis of this study. GHGs were calculated using the tool MESSAGE. The results of this study show that it will be possible, without taking into account the fact that biomass is clean energy, to avoid 462 kt of CO2eq and 14 kt of CO2eq for South Interconnected Network and East Interconnected Network respectively. The amounts of CH4, SO2, and NOx are not statistically significant. This study takes into account the main existing energy sources in the country. The specificity of this study is to treat the three interconnected networks of the country separately. The use of biomass in local power plants was proposed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This study shows that to reduce the GHG emission and the loss of electricity due to its transmission in the country, it is better to use biomass instead of fossil fuels for the production of electricity in Cameroon.