Energy in Perspective of Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable energy systems are necessary to save the natural resources avoiding environmental impacts which would compromise the development of future generations. Delivering sustainable energy will require an increased efficiency of the generation process including the demand side. This paper reviews the pattern of energy-use in Nigeria and makes a case for the implementation of an energy efficiency policy as a possible strategy to address the nation’s energy crisis. The study as well explores the role of industrial energy use in sustainable development in Nigeria and the potential sources to increase energy efficiency in industrial sector. The study showed that the pattern of electrical energy consumption in the industries reviewed was majorly from generating set while power supply from national grid compliment generating set if available; this is due to either low voltage or epileptic power supply from national grid. Direct and indirect sources that lead to electrical energy waste and in-efficient energy utilization in the industries were identified such as energy loss as a result of aging electric motor, worn out or slack / misaligned machine parts, excessive heating and cooling, use of low efficient lightings etc. The review paper shows that industrial energy efficiency in Nigeria is a readily achievable, cost effective and has potential of reduction in industrial consumption using good energy management practices and energy efficient equipment. This study will be of help to government, industrialists and industrial policy makers.