Electrification through Renewable Energy in Nigeria an Exploration of Viable Technology Options Beyond Solar PV

Abstract

Nigeria has an electrification rate of 54%, with many of those who are connected to the grid experience severe power outages. The Energy Commission of Nigeria intends to address this challenge with the use of renewable technologies. This paper explores the viability of solar PV, biofuel, wind, and small-scale hydro as renewable energy options for electrifying Nigeria. I find that solar PV, biofuel and small-scale hydro show exciting potential in Nigeria, while wind energy has much less potential due to low wind speeds in the country. Ultimately, renewable technologies need to be considered based on the community in question, instead of attempts at a one-size-fits-all approach to electrifying every community in the country. However, hybrid systems combining various renewable technologies might just be the ideal solution to electrifying rural communities and getting the electrification rate in Nigeria to a hundred percent.