Technical Economic and Environmental Analysis on the Potential of Solar and Wind Micro-Grid Systems in Nigeria

The exponential rise in electricity demand and erratic power supply in Nigeria accompanied by the depletion of mineral resources and the climate effects caused by the use of fossil fuels in the generating of power, calls out for the ever-increasing importance of the provision of alternate sources.To this end, this research study established an aim to carry out an analysis of the potential of Solar and Wind sources used in Microgrid Systems in Nigeria as a contributive solution to the power demand.While undergoing the research it was realized that Nigeria is endowed with lots of RES, solar, wind, hydro, et al spread across the various regions in the country.Locations were selected from both coastal and inland regions to cover both scopes of diverse climatic actions and analyses of the economic, technical, and environmental viability of these systems were carried out on Solar and Wind Microgrid systems.Solar Microgrid (MG) system happened to be the more economical power solution when it comes to the Levelized cost of energy (LCOE), however, the wind turbine MG generates more revenue with the shortest breakeven period based on the data used in this research.The two considered MG power solutions are environmentally friendly in comparison to the conventional power plants that use coal, diesel, and natural gas.Conclusively, both Microgrid systems are viable options in various parts of Nigeria and although more efficient in the inland regions can improve the amount of electricity generated and in turn mitigate the overall energy deficiency in Nigeria.