Clean and Sustainable Energy Revolution in Nigeria

Abstract

Ensuring greater and worldwide access to clean energy is a fundamental requirement for modern socio-economic development. This can be achieved through a robust expansion of research and development in energy sustainable energy technologies especially in developing countries. Moving towards upgrading clean and sustainable energy technologies can unlock the potential for increasing energy supply across the globe. Most developing countries like Nigeria are naturally endowed with many renewable energy resources that remain inadequately untapped. Renewable Energy (RE) also known as clean and alternative energy has been at the forefront of global energy discourse in the last few decades due to climate change. Despite the current global level of utilization of fossil fuels for power generation, Nigeria is still not among the countries with a balance in the level of energy supply and demand for the citizens. The country has so many isolated rural communities that are not connected to the national electric power system due to the challenge of economic constriction. However, the application of RE technologies for energy supply in rural communities could be a cost-effective alternative to the much-anticipated grid extension to rural communities by the energy stakeholders and planners in the country. Therefore, this study presents a synopsis of the opportunities and barriers to developing clean and sustainable technologies in Nigeria. Core problems affecting the smooth deployment of RE in the country were identified through a perceptive literature review in addition to relevant recommendations towards increasing investment in RE investment in the country.