QUANTIFICATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM DIESEL-POWERED ELECTRICITY GENERATOR USING THE IPCC FUEL CONSUMPTION-BASED EMISSION FACTOR METHOD

The widespread use of diesel-powered generators as alternative electricity sources in higher institutions across developing countries has increased significantly due to unreliable public power supply. While these generators ensure energy availability, they are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂). This study evaluated the annual CO₂ emissions from diesel-powered generators at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria. Primary data, including generator specifications, annual fuel consumption, and operating hours, were collected from various buildings and offices across the campus. The fuel consumption-based emission factor method was adopted using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission factor of 2.68 kg CO₂/L of diesel. Results revealed an estimated annual diesel consumption of 581,882.7 litres, corresponding to a total CO₂ emission of 1,559.4 tonnes per annum. The analysis further showed that emission levels were strongly influenced by generator operating hours and utilization patterns rather than generator capacity alone. These findings provide valuable baseline data for institutional carbon footprint assessment and sustainable energy planning. The study recommends transitioning to renewable energy resources through the deployment of hybrid microgrids integrating solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage, and other renewable technologies to reduce dependence on diesel generators and support the achievement of net-zero carbon emissions in tertiary institutions.