In Griot Studios’ Up-NEPA documentary, which is supported by the MacArthur Foundation and will be premiered in May 2024, there was a reference to the 2023 Electricity Act, which was signed into law by President Tinubu and is open to renewable energy generation by a myriad of players, including individuals and businesses.
As the most populous nation in Africa, Nigeria stands ready to lead a new era of solar energy. With over 85 million people lacking access to electricity, the country is ripe for a clean energy revolution. And what better way to power its future than with the abundant sunshine that blankets its landscape?
The Up-NEPA documentary from Griot Studios highlighted several themes in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). One of these themes is the country’s inability to close electricity access gaps despite sourcing power from natural gas and hydropower.
However, the Up-NEPA documentary noted that Nigeria is rich in renewable energy resources. This is verifiable from the north’s scorching savannas to the south’s tropical coastlines. So, it is evident that the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape has never looked brighter.
That is, if only efforts will intensify regarding renewable energy generation and distribution.
Going beyond the big screen, however, in its work with several electricity sector partners, the Electricity Hub has identified the following innovative solar power solutions for Nigeria:
Solar Mini-Grids: Empowering Communities
In remote areas where traditional grid infrastructure is impractical, solar mini-grids are revolutionising access to electricity. Companies like Rensource and Lumos spearhead this movement. This includes installing mini-grids that empower households, schools, and businesses and foster economic growth and social development.
Pay-As-You-Go Solar: Affordable Energy for All
In a country where millions lack reliable electricity, pay-as-you-go solar systems offer hope. These innovative solutions allow consumers to pay for solar energy in affordable instalments, making clean electricity accessible to low-income households. Companies such as Azuri Technologies and Greenlight Planet are leading the charge. This includes deploying solar home systems with mobile payment technology and transforming lives one household at a time.
Solar-Powered Irrigation: Cultivating Agricultural Prosperity
Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet erratic power supply hampers productivity. Enter solar-powered irrigation systems, which revolutionise farming practices across the country. By harnessing solar energy to pump water for irrigation, farmers can cultivate crops year-round, increasing yields and ensuring food security. Initiatives like the World Bank-funded Nigeria Solar Market Development Project. This is to promote the adoption of solar irrigation technologies, empowering farmers to thrive in a changing climate.
Floating Solar Farms: Tapping Into Water Resources
Nigeria’s vast water bodies present a unique opportunity for solar energy generation. Floating solar farms, built on reservoirs and lakes, utilise unused space and reduce water evaporation and algae growth. Installations from companies such as SeaHarvest Energy can generate clean electricity and conserve water. This offers a more sustainable solution for Nigeria’s energy needs.
Solar-Powered Transportation: Driving Towards a Greener Future
With rising urbanisation, Nigeria’s transportation sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions. Solar-powered vehicles and charging stations offer a promising solution to this challenge. The Lagos State Government’s Solar-Powered Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system leads with electric buses. Equipped with solar panels, these solutions help mitigate air pollution and combat climate change. This helps in facilitating Nigeria’s transition to a greener future.
Click here to watch the trailer.