Expert insists renewable energy will solve Nigeria’s perennial power problem

The Managing Director of Wärtsilä Nigeria, Wale Yusuff, said on Tuesday Nigeria would only achieve its 11,000 megawatts target if the government invests in renewable energy.

The Nigerian government had launched the year 2023 11, 000 megawatt of electricity target as part of Nigeria Electrification Roadmap (NER).

Yusuff said a 30 percent share of renewable energy as well as a sizable share of thermal-based power is a robust and appropriate mix for Nigeria as envisioned in the NER.

He further said Wärtsilä supports the strategy of venturing into renewable energy and developing a large fleet of medium-size Gas-to-Power plants.

He said: “On one hand, Nigeria has abundant natural gas resources as well as considerable, but intermittent, solar energy resources waiting to be tapped.

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“On the other hands, it is plagued with chronic power shortages. With this in mind, it becomes clear that the best way forward is to build baseload energy capacities that can work seamlessly with renewables.

“That’s why we believe that Gas-to-Power technology is such a true game-changer for the country. The ultimate solution is to use utility-scale solar power plants integrated with engine power plants and energy storage.”

According to him, it is not only sustainable but more economical than traditional baseload energy solutions, as lower electricity cost up to 24 percent

Yusuff said his company has a laid out credible renewable baseload strategy Nigeria can follow to reach a fully green energy mix in its whitepaper titled: “Path towards a 100 percent renewable energy future.”

“Any serious long-term energy strategy must embrace the following five key trends: the rapidly increasing penetration of renewables and decentralized energy generation, the increasing role of flexible gas, emerging storage technology, as well as data and digitalization,” Yusuff concluded.

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