Pros of RE
Nigeria, like many other countries, is exploring the potential of renewable energy as a viable source of energy. Renewable energy refers to energy sources that are replenished naturally and do not emit harmful pollutants or contribute to climate change. Renewable energy sources in Nigeria include solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power. While renewable energy offers several benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of renewable energy in Nigeria:
Cost Savings
One of the main benefits of renewable energy is cost savings. Renewable energy sources are often cheaper in the long run compared to fossil fuels because they do not require costly fuel imports and are less vulnerable to price fluctuations. For example, solar panels have become increasingly affordable in Nigeria, and their installation can result in significant cost savings on electricity bills.
In Nigeria, electricity prices are high, and power outages are common.
Job Creation
Renewable energy projects can create new jobs in the energy sector. In Nigeria, the government has set targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix and create up to 250,000 jobs in the sector by 2030. This could provide employment opportunities for many Nigerians and help to alleviate poverty.
Renewable energy development can create new jobs in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where access to employment opportunities is limited. The renewable energy sector offers diverse job opportunities in areas such as manufacturing, installation, operations, maintenance, and research and development. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the deployment of renewable energy in Nigeria could create up to 220,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs by 2030.
Environmental Benefits
Renewable energy sources do not emit harmful pollutants, which can reduce air pollution and improve public health. They also do not contribute to climate change, which is becoming a major issue in Nigeria, with rising temperatures and more frequent droughts and floods.
Nigeria is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with extreme weather events such as flooding and droughts affecting millions of people every year. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power do not emit greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change, and can help to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. In addition, renewable energy can help to reduce air pollution, which is a major public health issue in many Nigerian cities.
Energy Security
Renewable energy sources can provide energy security for Nigeria by reducing dependence on imported fuel and improving access to energy in rural areas. This can help to increase the resilience of the country’s energy system and reduce the risk of power outages.
Nigeria’s energy sector is characterized by low energy access rates, poor grid reliability, and dependence on imported fuel. Renewable energy can help to improve energy security by providing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy sources. For example, solar panels and microgrids can provide electricity to off-grid and rural communities that are currently not connected to the national grid. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power can also help to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, which can improve the country’s energy security and reduce its vulnerability to fluctuations in fuel prices.
