The Nigeria Electric sector has always been reliant on fossil fuels for the generation of electric power. However, considering reports from trusted sources, it looks less viable even now among major technological advancements.
For example, Wikipedia disclosed that the whole electric sector in Nigeria could not comfortably produce 5,000 megawatts of power by 2012. Which is more than 30,000 megawatts lesser than the required 40,000 megawatts needed by the population then.
Due to this, many have had to rely on private generating sets. By 2008, people were already using this medium to get a little over 6,000 megawatts. The mathematics shows that the majority are practically spending most of their time without electricity.
Would the country not start to seek some other alternative? In 2014, gas accounted for 5,361 megawatts of electricity, while, hydro contributes 1,930 megawatts. While many gas-powered electric generating plants heat water or burn natural gas, this is not the case for Nigeria gas plants.
Reports peg the dependence on burning fossil fuels at around 81% to 86%. Fossil fuels used are mainly carbon contained and common derivatives are petrol, coal and natural gas.
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Carbon is a major contributor to global climate change. So, if by 2020, Nigeria still mostly depends on these damaging products, it spells trouble. But, are there applicable options?
Alternatives to Fossil Fuels
Many countries of the world are already shifting attention from oil and its other carbon derivatives. Nigeria too should be looking to leave fossil fuel behind. This applies to electricity generation for domestic and industrial use. Also, many have extended the technology to vehicles as well.
Popular clean alternatives employed in place of fossil fuels in recent years are listed below:
Solar Power: this is one of the most popular sources of clean energy. It does not pollute the environment and if properly harvested, has the potential of satisfying the high demand.
Hydro Power: Although already in use in Nigeria, it is only in a small quantity (a little over 17%). It is also a clean form of energy, and it would be commendable if it is more popularly used than presently.
Nuclear Power: It is more popular than many think. In 2015, 13 countries already used nuclear stations to generate about a quarter of their power. Another form of energy with huge potential.
Wind Power: Using wind energy is another form of generating energy that is clean. But it is dependent on wind power and other quantities.
Hydrogen Power: Burning hydrogen is a form of generating clean energy. Unlike fossil fuels, burning hydrogen does not cause environmental pollution.
Considering some of the suggestions above will go a long way in solving some of the electric power issues.
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