Obstacles and Way Forward in Promoting Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Authors

  • Isaac N. Itodo Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-6002.2014.03.04.2

Keywords:

Obstacle, way forward, promotion, renewable energy, Nigeria.

Abstract

Nigeria is one of the world’s leading producers of crude oil and yet it is a net importer of refined oil. Its average daily premium motor spirit (PMS) consumption is 30 million liters. At 100% capacity the nation’s refineries will produce 17.74 million liters of premium motor spirit daily. A shortfall of over 10 million liters per day exists. Recent estimates stipulate that Nigeria requires 20,000 MW of electricity per annum. The projected electricity supply from all sources (conventional and renewable) in Nigeria in the short (2007), medium (2015) and long term (2025) is estimated to be 7000 MW, 14000 MW and 29,000 MW respectively. Annual peak electricity demand in Nigeria will increase from 4,558 MW to 45,755 MW in 2050 at high growth rate and 4,558 to 19,599 MW for low growth. Nigeria’s electricity per capita of 27 W/person is not enough to light an electric incandescent bulb of 30 W. These provide enough justification for the use of renewable energy in Nigeria. The use of renewable energy in Nigeria is hindered by the lack of regulation, financial incentives, energy infrastructures, framework for sustainability and technical expertise. Overcoming these obstacles will require invigorating research and development in renewable energy technologies, training and education to build local technical capacity, diversification of energy mix and scaling up of renewable energy utilization, aggressive capacity building in all areas of energy development and creation of enabling environment that will attract investment in energy infrastructure. This paper discusses the obstacles and way forward in promoting renewable energy in Nigeria.

 

References

ECN. Renewable Energy Resources, Technology and Markets. In: Renewable Energy Master Plan, Abuja: Energy Commission of Nigeria 2005; p. 3-4

Bala EJ. An overview of energy situation in Sub-Sahara Africa. Paper presented at the workshop on sustainable energy development in Sub-Sahara Africa, Chelsea Hotel, Abuja; 19th – 20th May 2009.

IEA. World energy statistics, 2007. In: Opuene A. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation automotive biofuels initiative. National workshop on creating awareness for the use of automotive biodiesel and bioethanol as fuel for vehicles in Nigeria. Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Abuja; 9th December 2009.

Wiese A, Kleineidam P, Schallenberg K, et al. Renewable power generation 2011. Lahmeyer International, Germany. Renewable Energy Focus 2012; 13: 31-3.

IEA accuses world governments of ‘collective failure’. http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com

Wiemann M. Small wind in a developing world. Renewable Energy Focus 2013; 14: 20-1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1755-0084(13)70027-9

Mints P. Time to raise module prices? Renewable Energy Focus 2013; 14: 12-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1755-0084(13)70025-5

Mints P. 2012 – 2013 solar PV market review – up a down staircase? Renewable Energy Focus 2012; 13: 20-1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1755-0084(12)70129-1

Mints P. Solar: beginning of the big squeeze? Renewable Energy Focus 2011; 12: 36-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1755-0084(11)70094-1

Renewables 2010 Global Status Report. http://www. ren21.net/globalstatusreport/REN21_GSR_full.pdf

British Petroleum Statistics. In: Itodo IN. Energy generation from agricultural wastes as alternative for powering SMEs. Paper presented at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Techno-Expo 2011. Raw Materials Research and Development Council Auditorium, Abuja; 15th – 18th February 2011.

Holm D. Renewable energy future for the developing world. International Solar Energy Society White Paper. Germany: Freiburg 2005.

Bala EJ. Overview of the biofuel policy and incentives in Nigeria under review. Paper presented at the national workshop on biodiesel for jatropha curcas: Role of biofuel policy on sustainable energy development in Nigeria. Rockview Hotel, Abuja; 25th – 26th September 2012

Downloads

Published

2014-12-08

How to Cite

Itodo, I. N. (2014). Obstacles and Way Forward in Promoting Renewable Energy in Nigeria. Journal of Technology Innovations in Renewable Energy, 3(4), 166–170. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-6002.2014.03.04.2

Issue

Section

Articles