Renewable Energy Resources Hybridization as an Efficient and Cost-Effective Alternative for Electrification

Abstract

Majority of electricity generation in Nigeria comes from fossil fuels, with about two-thirds of thermal power derived from natural gas and the rest from oil, resulting in the emission of carbon dioxide ( ). With the prevailing global climate change, shifting to renewable energy would reduce the greenhouse gas emission which would be the salvaging option to help our degrading environment. The aim of the resource’s hybridization process is to generate enough electricity that would help the supplementing for the inadequate electricity supply in the local province at the least detrimental effect on the environment. This work discusses the renewable energy potential of Nigeria and raises the possibility of having Nigeria electricity grid powered by small, medium and large-scale renewable energy systems. The hybridised power generation system simulations were done using HOMER simulation software. The hybridisation of the resources was able to generate 149,313 kWh/yr to adequately sustain the estimated electrical load of 126,027 kWh/yr. Conclusively, cost effectiveness of the individual and hybridised systems was also considered.

Keywords

• renewable energy
• solar
• wind
• micro-hydro
• hybridization