Embracing Solar Energy Systems in Nigeria

According to the study Covid-19 energy sector response in Africa:  A review of preliminary government interventions study by the Pan African University, only Kenya, Nigeria and Burkina Faso had demonstrated real commitment to renewable energy during the ongoing public health crisis. 

The federal government of Nigeria through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) the implementing agency tasked with electrification of rural and userved communities, is aiming at rolling out 5 million new solar based connections in communities that are not connected to the grid. 

REA

The objectives:

1) expand energy access to 25 million        individual  through the provision of solar home systems (SHS).  

2) Increase local content in the off-grid solar value chain and facilitating the growth of the local manufacturing industry.

3) Incentivize the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.

The Solar Connection Intervention Facility by the federal government will complement her efforts of providing affordable electricity to underserved rural communities through the provision of long term low interest credit facilities to the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) pre-qualified home, create job opportunities for the youths, it is also expected to generate an additional N7 billion increase in tax revenues per annum and $10 million in annual import substitution. 

REA

Another win for Nigeria through this program is the major shift from the use of fossil fuel to power homes and businesses and support while supporting the fight against global warming.

With these in mind, one would expect the rush by citizens to embrace renewable energy would be spontaneous considering the amount of money spent on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and maintenance of the generators.

Although factors such as 

1) high cost of installation and procurement of renewable energy components by individuals for personal use

2) trust issues (many still questions the durability and reliability of the system relying on 'testimonies' of others)

3) shortage of professional and skilled installers 

It is not out of place to assume that with the solar power Naina initiative, the federal government will consider enacting policies that will make the components relatively affordable to enable individuals who desire to power their homes using solar systems or any other means of renewable energy can easily do so without necessarily digging a huge hole in their pockets.

By Martins Onyekachi Omeke