The sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit hot and has been shining for around 4.5 billion years. According to Abdulkarim (ND), who also went on to say that solar energy is the source of all of the energy that comes from the planet. This demonstrates that there are several advantages of solar energy and it qualifies as a main renewable energy source.
Also, at the Ministerial Consultation on Energy in Africa, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, stated that Nigeria in particular has enormous mineral resources such as solar in plenty for the development of energy. He continued by saying that the region has a lot of natural solar energy and that it should not be disregarded.
The socioeconomic standing of Nigerian inhabitants has been positively and crucially impacted by the utilization of solar energy. In addition, this is supported by research done by the impact investment firm All-On, which is backed by Shell and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This research examined how the use of solar energy affected the nation’s commercial activity, environment, and outcomes in the areas of health, education, and food security.
Nigeria is blessed with both conventional (non-renewable) and renewable (biomass, hydro, solar, and wind) energy resources. All these are adequate to meet its population’s needs and export the excess to neighbours as a marketable commodity to earn income. Hence, Climate Wednesday’s founder, Olumide Idowu, stated that “In Nigeria, using solar energy to power homes and businesses is a cost-effective option. Particularly in locations with unstable connectivity to the national grid, it can lower energy costs and expand access to power.”
According to Samuel Ayokunle Olowosejeje, (Research Fellow at University College Cork in Ireland). Among several advantages of solar energy, it can help lower the cost of producing and distributing power in Nigeria. Particularly when it is used on a wide scale. Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo. Who is in favour of this resolution, said, using solar energy in Nigeria lessens the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, it promotes a healthy and green environment. It will also encourage economic growth and the creation of new jobs.”
In the same vein, Former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola claims that “Solar energy helps to provide a clean and reliable source of power for homes and businesses. Hence, it reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and helps to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Dr Ibrahim Muritala, who is the Lead Researcher at the German Aerospace Centre’s Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes. He said that it was past time for Nigeria to investigate using its plentiful solar energy to produce power. Also, as the moderator of the virtual annual public lecture of the Lagos/Ogun branch of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers. Muritala urged professionals to research solutions that may replace fossil fuels to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Additionally, in an interview with Leadership Nigeria. Katherine Lucey, the creator of Solar Sister, stated: “The Nigerian economy can flourish investing in solar energy. The growth of a thriving solar business can draw in international capital and aid in the economy’s diversification.” Furthermore, to support this claim, Abdulkarim asserts that alternative and renewable energy sources. Particularly the sun; as one of the most dependable ways to guarantee clean energy for Nigeria’s contemporary enterprises.
Read About: The Disadvantages of Solar Energy in Nigeria
Speaking on the advantages of solar energy in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune. Godwin Ojo, the Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, said that we can address Nigeria’s energy security increase and power outages using solar energy. According to him, many people in the nation live in rural locations without easy access to the national grid. Hence, to reduce reliance on the national grid, off-grid solar solutions like solar home systems can supply consistent electricity. Both urban and rural areas may profit from solar energy, which is a dependable and sustainable source of power.”
According to Amina Mohammed, Former Minister of Environment, “There are many advantages of solar energy. It is a cost-effective and sustainable solution to Nigeria’s power challenges. It has the potential to transform our energy sector and drive economic growth”. Also, Sale Mamman, Nigeria’s Minister of Electricity, discussed the advantages of solar energy with the Vanguard Nigeria. He said that it could help to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, this would, in turn, improve the country’s energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He also noted that solar power could help to increase access to electricity in rural areas of the country.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Eli Jidere Bala, spoke about the advantages of solar energy with The Guardian in 2018. He said that solar energy was a clean and sustainable source of power. Moving further, we could help to reduce the cost of electricity in Nigeria. Especially in rural areas where the cost of extending the national grid was prohibitive.
In addition, the Nigerian government has launched several initiatives in recent years promoting use of solar energy in the country. For example, the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has implemented the Solar Power Naija project. This project aims to provide electricity access to 25 million Nigerians through the deployment of solar home systems and mini-grids. The government has also introduced tax incentives and other measures to encourage private-sector investment in solar power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the advantages of solar energy are so numerous. Mukhtaar Tijani, the Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos State Electricity Board, stated that “The introduction of solar energy across the nation is a positive development, particularly for rural communities. It is not just dependable and affordable but also environmentally friendly.” As a result, there is a surplus of solar energy we can use in many regions of Nigeria. However, the only requirement is that we need to measure properly.
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