Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The country, Nigeria is confronted with myriads of challenges hindering its access to reliable and sustainable power supply in both urban and rural areas. The existing energy infrasructures are incapable of translating the so many Renewable Energy Souces (available in almost every part of the country) to a sustainable energy supply system, capable of bridging the wide power supply-demand gap. This paper proposes the use of solar, biomass and small hydropower technologies for a sustainable energy development in rural and urban areas of the country. This work reviewed the present state of energy in the country, recommended the use of decentralised power system and off-grid /on-grid hybrid power system as a sustainable energy development model for the country. Then, the neccesity for aggressive Renewable Energy Sources integration into the national energy mix through sustainable growth involving decentralised renewable energy system and distributed generation applications. This work will assist power sector stakeholders in making informed decisions towards promotion of green economy and growth of hybrid power system technology in Nigeria.