- NWEC and ACF held capacity-building sessions at the Universities of Abuja and Ibadan to boost wind energy development.
- The programme advanced skills development, public-private collaboration, and inclusive workforce pathways, positioning Nigeria to lead in wind energy deployment and achieve its climate and energy goals.
The Nigerian Wind Energy Council (NWEC), in collaboration with the African Climate Foundation (ACF), organised two capacity-building sessions on wind energy development at the University of Abuja and the University of Ibadan on 25 and 28 March 2025, respectively.
The session had a target audience of at least 60 beneficiaries, with 40% female participation. Records, as enclosed, indicate strong attendance and engagement, evidencing the programme’s success and relevance to the intended demographic.
Professor E.J. Bala, former Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, delivered the keynote address, highlighting Nigeria’s considerable wind energy potential. His remarks underscored the strategic role of wind power in strengthening energy security and achieving national and international climate targets.
Nigeria’s Wind Energy Landscape
Professor Bala reviewed historical and ongoing initiatives, including the 10MW Katsina Wind Farm, illustrating Nigeria’s progress in harnessing wind resources. He stressed the urgent need for comprehensive wind resource mapping, increased investment in research and development, and establishing a supportive policy and regulatory framework.
Additionally, he called for enhanced public-private partnerships and international cooperation to build domestic technical capacity and attract sustainable financing.
The keynote reaffirmed the importance of empowering local communities through skills development, local ownership opportunities, and private-sector participation. These efforts, Bala argued, would provide a robust foundation for positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in wind energy deployment.
A high-level panel session explored key technical requirements and financial mechanisms for wind energy deployment. The discussions addressed whether Nigeria’s national grid is adequately prepared for wind integration and highlighted logistical concerns around transporting large turbine components. They identified the critical need for enhanced port infrastructure and road networks for efficient project execution.
In his address, renewable energy expert Mathias Hölzer elaborated on the growing bankability of wind energy projects. He pointed out that innovations such as larger turbines, increased hub heights, and predictive maintenance systems have improved reliability and efficiency. He also noted that 80-90% of wind turbine materials are recyclable, making wind energy one of the more sustainable energy options available today.
Key Benefits of Wind Energy as Outlined by Hölzer:
- Sustainability: High material recyclability and cost-effective energy production.
- Job Creation: Integration of wind energy into academic curricula can equip students with industry-relevant skills.
- Industrial Growth: Existing projects like the Katsina Wind Farm illustrate the sector’s viability.
- Governmental Backing: The Federal Ministry of Power, in collaboration with the EU, is developing a comprehensive Wind Energy Roadmap for Nigeria.
Addressing Modelling Uncertainties in Wind Energy
Hölzer’s session focused on reducing uncertainty in wind energy modelling, a critical factor in attracting investment. He detailed four areas contributing to variability in energy projections: meteorological data, modelling techniques, turbine performance, and inefficiencies. Data collection and modelling advancements have significantly reduced uncertainty levels, making securing financing from institutions that rely on yield confidence indicators like P50 and P90 estimates easier.
Financing Considerations
Financial expert Marc Buiting distinguished between equity and debt financing for wind projects. He highlighted the importance of the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), with a ratio above 1.25, signalling financial viability. Due to their longer construction times and grid dependency, wind projects often demand lower debt-to-equity ratios than solar installations.
Katsina Wind Farm: A Case Study in Progress
Mr Abubakar Tukur, Executive Assistant, Office of the Governor of Kastina on Power and Energy, presented a detailed update on the Katsina Wind Farm, which is currently 85% complete. Comprising 37 turbines with a total capacity of 10MW, the project is expected to generate 35GWh annually. While progress has been steady, the initiative has faced several setbacks, including outdated turbine systems and funding delays.
To resolve these issues, key stakeholders, including Governor Dikko Umar Radda and Dr Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, visited the turbine manufacturer in Paris to fast-track solutions. Strategies now in motion include:
- Technical remediation of turbines.
- Security upgrades.
- Community capacity-building and skills training.
- Financial mobilisation to address funding shortfalls.
Mr Tukur also outlined a post-commissioning sustainability plan involving collaboration with the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and academic institutions to develop a skilled local workforce. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and grid upgrades with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) are part of long-term plans.
Technical Innovations and GIS-Based Deployment
Dr. Aderoju presented the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for optimal site selection. His analysis incorporated satellite data, meteorological inputs, and terrain evaluation. Drawing on international examples, such as Igdir in Turkey, he proposed applying similar multi-criteria decision-making tools to regions like Katsina and Sokoto, where wind potential is high.
The programme underscored the wind sector’s commitment to equitable workforce development in terms of diversity and inclusion, highlighting companies like Vestas at the forefront of this initiative.
Through its DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) mission, Vestas, a Danish company and global leader in sustainable energy solutions, aims for 30% female leadership by 2030 and supports underrepresented groups via scholarships and targeted hiring initiatives.
Pathways into Wind Energy Careers
Panel session led by Vestas and Ryse Energy underscored various pathways into the wind sector:
- Applying through industry career portals.
- Enrolling in university renewable energy programmes.
- Attending events like WindEurope and the Global Wind Summit.
The sector offers diverse roles—from engineering and project management to policy and operations—while contributing to broader socio-economic growth.
Key Outcomes from the Programme
The NWEC event delivered several tangible outcomes:
- Skills Development: Turbine maintenance, grid integration, and wind resource assessment programmes.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Strong partnerships between academia, government, and industry.
- Workforce Pipeline: Engagement with students and professionals to prepare for future employment in wind energy.
- Inclusive Growth: Through training and entrepreneurial initiatives, focus on women, youth, and local communities.
Looking Ahead
Nigeria must continue investing in workforce development, academic partnerships, innovation hubs, and energy clubs to solidify its wind energy leadership. A sustained commitment to NWEC’s pillars—technology adoption, policy coherence, stakeholder collaboration, and inclusivity—will be vital to addressing energy poverty and meeting net-zero targets.
The event concluded with a unified call to action to harness Nigeria’s wind for power, progress, and the people. This is not just about energy production but shaping a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for generations.