WIND ENERGY: A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Written by Hussain Olatomiwa Tijani; Legal Practitioner at H. O. T. Legal Practitioners, Lagos State. LL. B (Lasu); B.L (Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus); MBA Candidate (Lasu); AICA; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The federal government of Nigeria in July, 2019 signed a power deal with power giant Siemens to deliver 25,000 MW by the end of 2025 and to fix the archaic transmission and distribution infrastructure in the power sector. This agreement with Siemens failed to incorporate the Paris Climate Agreement President Muhammadu Buhari ratified and came into effect on the 15th day of June, 2017, and failed to consider the Renewable Electricity Action Program (REAP) formulate in December, 2006.

This paper examines the power sector in Nigeria, while making a case for wind renewable energy, with special focus on how best to harness and tap into its benefits and utilizing same towards solving the problem of epileptic supply.

This paper also examines the challenges wind renewable energy exploitation poses to Nigeria, when it decides to harness it for the benefit of the Nigerian economy. While proffering necessary considerations persons interested in being active players in the wind renewable energy power sector, must consider in order to be able to be effective in conception, implementation, delivery, and most importantly be profitable.

This paper recommends that the Nigerian government be more deliberate and intentional in its policies and actions which would yield massive physical and economic benefits to Nigerians, while also honouring the Paris Climate Agreement.

Keywords: Wind, Power, Energy, Electricity, Nigeria. 

INTRODUCTION

The roots of the modern electricity-generating industry are to be found in the early and middle years of the 19th century and in the work of men such as Andre Ampere, Michael Faraday, Benjamin Franklin and Alessandro Volta. It was during this period that scientists began to forge an understanding of the nature of electrical charge and magnetic fields. (Breeze, 2019)

Electricity generation started in Nigeria in 1896. Nigeria currently has 12,522MW installed capacity, which comprises of 25 gas-fired and hydro-electric power plants (3 Hydro Plants with 1,930MW capacity, and 22 gas plants with 10,592MW). Nigeria has only 7,141MW available capacity from the 12,522MW installed capacity. (GET.invest, n.d.) Nigeria on November, 2005 prepared its final Renewable Energy Master Plan (International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development Nigeria, n.d.), which sadly is yet to be implemented or its impact felt.

The Paris Climate Agreement aims at substantially reducing global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, while pursuing the means to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees. 

The world is gradually moving away from non-renewable sources of energy, to renewable sources of energy to provide from their Nation’s power needs.

Nations have taken the deliberate step of switching from a reliance on fossil fuels to a sustainable energy system. Clean electricity is key to a decarbonized future. As of the 18th day of March, 2019 the following countries had achieved the following installed capacity for wind renewable energy, China 221 GW; United States of America 96.4 GW; Germany 59.3 GW; India 35 GW; Spain 23 GW; The United Kingdom 20.7 GW; France 15.3 GW; Brazil 14.5 GW; Canada 12.8 GW; Italy 10 GW. (energy economic times, n.d.)

Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—currently account for close to 80% of total global primary consumption of energy and for the bulk of emissions of the key greenhouse gas CO2. The nations of the world at the 21st meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in Paris in December 2015 committed to restrict future greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that the consequent increase in global average surface temperature should be limited to 2_C or less referenced with respect to conditions that applied in the preindustrial era. Meeting this objective will require no less than a sea change in the manner in which the world sources future energy. (McElroy, 2016)  Physical prospects for growth in hydro and biomass are limited. Nuclear is expensive. Geothermal could play a role, though major investments in relevant research and development will be required to realistically evaluate its potential. The best options, given current understanding, involve combinations of wind and solar. (Letcher, 2017)     

UNDERSTANDING WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Wind is a clean, inexhaustible, and a relatively environmentally friendly energy source that can provide an alternative to fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gases and diversify the global electricity supply. (Tong, n.d.)

Wind energy is a converted form of solar energy which is produced by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen (H) into helium (He) in its core. The H ? He fusion process creates heat and electromagnetic radiation streams out from the sun into space in all directions. (Tong, n.d.) Though only a small portion of solar radiation is intercepted by the earth, it provides almost all of earth’s energy needs. 

In plain English, wind is a free, clean, and available renewable energy source.

The use of wind energy can be traced back thousands of years to many ancient civilizations. The ancient human histories have revealed that wind energy was discovered and used independently at several sites of the earth. It has been used for sailing as early as about 4000 B.C, by the ancient Chinese who attached sails to their primitive rafts (Vestas, n.d.); metal smelting processes, by the ancient Sinhalese as far back as about 300 BC who took advantage of the strong monsoon winds to produce high-carbon steel (Juleff); windmills (Windmill dreams, n.d.); wind turbines (Krohn, 2002); kites (Temple, 1986).

For wind energy to be developed in Nigeria, and be utilized in solving Nigeria’s energy problem. It is necessary to consider five main factors. First is the need, the Government needs to realize the finiteness of Nigeria’s fossil fuel reserves as well as the adverse effects of burning the fuels for energy. Second, Potential; wind exists everywhere in Nigeria and in some places with considerable energy density. Third, technological capacity; Nigeria needs to be intentional with local development of technology capable of utilizing the potential of wind into energy, or train its work force on already existing technology. These first three factors are material to the development of wind energy in Nigeria. The forth factor, is to see the vision of wind energy and its enormous benefits. While the fifth factor, which is the most important, is the political will to bring the wind energy vision into reality.

HARNESSING WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Wind Renewable Energy are harnessed through the use of wind turbines, to convert kinetic energy in the wind into electrical or mechanical energies. A wind turbine is a device that transforms a part of the kinetic energy of the wind (fluid in motion) into available mechanical energy on a transmission shaft and then into electrical energy via a generator. (U.S, Washington, DC Patent No. 9,410,534, 2016) The output power of a wind turbine is a function of air density, area swept by turbine blades, and wind speed. (JM, et al., 2012) Wind Renewable Energy can be harnessed on land (onshore) and on the sea (offshore).

President Abraham Lincoln, in the “Discoveries and Inventions” 1860 lecture, New York Times, November 22, 1936, is quoted as: 

“Of all the forces of nature, I should think the wind contains the largest amount of motive power . . . Take any given space of the Earth’s surface, for instance, Illinois, and all the power exerted by all the men, beasts, running water and steam over and upon it shall not equal the 100th part of what is exerted by the blowing of the wind over and upon the same place. And yet it has not, so far in the world’s history, become properly valued as motive power. It is applied extensively and advantageously to sail vessels in navigation. Add to this a few windmills and pumps and you have about all. As yet the wind is an untamed, unharnessed force, and quite possibly one of the greatest discoveries hereafter to be made will be the taming and harnessing of it.” (Shere, 2011)

The electricity generated from an individual turbine is determined ultimately by the kinetic energy intercepted by the blades of the turbine. (Lu & McElroy, 2017) This depends in turn on the area swept out by the blades, on the density of the air intercepted by the blades, and on the cube of the wind speed (a factor proportional to the square of the wind speed defining the kinetic energy contained in a given volume of air, an additional factor to specify the rate at which this energy may be delivered to the turbine). In general, the greater the elevation of the rotor and the greater the diameter of the blades, the greater is the potential yield of electricity. (Letcher, Wind Energy Engineering: A Handbook for Onshore and Offshore Wind Turbines, 2017)

The stages of a wind energy project lifecycle are typically as follows: (Brower, 2012)

1.  Wind resource assessment ? Identification of wind site ? Preliminary evaluation ? Assessment of site/micrositing

2.  Obtaining permits ? Location ? Determining installed capacity ? Obtaining ownership/leasing

3.  Financing ? Permit is obtained ? Project is properly designed ? Enery estimates are corrected

4.  Construction ? Site preparation ? Turbine installation ? Connection/commission

5.  Operation and decommissioning ? Testing performance ? Generation of electricity ? Project removal 

Wind turbine technology has been developed by continuously optimizing turbine design, improving turbine performance, and enhancing overall turbine efficiency. There are two types of wind turbines: vertical-axis and horizontal-axis wind turbines. (Yahyaoui, 2018)

The current major trends in the development of wind turbines are towards higher power, higher efficiency and reliability, and lower cost per kilowatt machines. (solapv, n.d.) Major developments on High-power large-capacity wind turbine; Offshore wind turbine; Direct drive wind turbine; High efficient blade; Floating wind turbine; Wind turbine with contra-rotating rotors; Drivetrain; Integration of wind and other energy sources, such as wind-solar hybrid system, wind-hydro hybrid system, wind-hydrogen system, wind-diesel power generation system have further deepened the potential of maximizing the power wind renewable energy offers. 

WIND SITE ASSESSMENT

Wind farm projects require intensive work prior to the finalizing of a project. The wind resource is one of the most important factors for the financial viability of a wind farm project. Nigeria is subject to the seasonal rain-bearing south-westerlies, which blow strongly from April to October and to the dry and dusty north-east trade winds which blow strongly from November to March. (International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development Nigeria, n.d.)

Wind resource is usually expressed in wind speed (m/s) from which energy units can be obtained. There are usually two levels of data needed for national wind energy development. (Adeyanju, 2011) At the top level is the Meso-scale (National level) data. This type of data is useful for policy and it is usually the first call for developers of wind energy projects. The other is the site specific local level where one obtains more detailed data based on measurements. (International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development Nigeria, 2006)

When a particular site appears promising for wind farm development, detailed site- specific measurements must be carried out through the erection of a meteorology mast, about 30 to 50m in height depending on the terrain, for measuring wind speed and wind direction at different heights. Actual measurements are needed because the power output of a wind farm is sensitive to wind speed, being proportional to the cube of the wind speed. Thus, doubling of the average wind speed leads to an increase of the power in the wind by a factor of eight. 

Therefore, wind speed can determine the viability or otherwise of a wind farm project. Detailed and reliable information about variation in wind speeds and direction over the year is therefore vital for any prospective wind power development. Apart from the wind speed, the wind speed frequency distribution, commonly described by a Weibull distribution is also important. Although, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NMA), carries out routine measurements and collection of wind data for the country. It is important to carry out a separate public-private partnership or private assessment of the wind site, because the Agency obtains its data mainly from the 42 Synoptic stations based at the airport and urban centres. (International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development Nigeria, 2006)

BENEFITS OF WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY

a.     Provision for a clean source of energy – it generates electricity without producing carbon dioxide. It is free of particulates which are a major problem with coal-fired power stations. Particulates have been blamed for the rise of asthma and possibly Alzheimer’s disease in our society. (Alan H. Lockwood, Kristen Welker-Hood, Molly Rauch, & Gottlieb., 2009) It is also free from the atmospheric pollutant sulfur dioxide, that comes with coal- or oil-fired power stations, which is formed from the burning of sulfur impurities. It is this SO2 that is largely responsible for acid rain and also climate change. (Ward, 2009)

It is estimated that a 1 MW wind turbine offsets 2360 t (2600 US tonnes) of CO2. (Economic Development, 2009)

b.    Sustainability - Whenever the Sun shines and the wind blows, energy can be harnessed and sent to the grid. This makes wind a sustainable source of energy and another good reason to invest in wind farms.

c.     Location – Wind turbines can be erected almost anywhere, e.g., on existing farms, offshore. Very often good windy sites are not in competition with urban development or other land usage; such areas include the tops of mountains or in gullies between hills.

d.    Reduction of costly transport costs of electricity from far-away power stations - Transporting alternating current electricity great distances is expensive because of the cost of the cables and pylons and also because of the loss of power due to the electrical resistance of the cables.

e.    National security – wind being a free source of energy, ensures Nigeria’s independence from foreign source of fuel, which may be subject to price hikes.

f.     Conservation of water – Traditional power stations using coal, oil, gas, or nuclear fuel all use large volumes of water. (Keith, Jackson, Napoleon, Comings, & Ramey, 2012) Wind farms use no water.

g.     Reduction of destructive mining - The pumping of oil and gas (especially from ocean beds) and the mining of coal or uranium all have serious environmental impacts on the sea or land. (The European Wind Energy Association, n.d.) for the environmental issues with coal mining in Australia.

h.    Short commissioning time – Wind farms can be commissioned over a relatively short time, and 2 or 3 years from conception to electricity production is not impossible. This can be compared to the many decades it takes to design, build, and commission a nuclear power station. (Carajilescov & Moreira, 2011)

i.      Cost effectiveness - The cost of turbines has decreased significantly as a result of improved designs and mass production, so that today the cost of producing electricity from wind farms is now very competitive with fossil fuel-derived electricity. (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021)Together, with the drop-in investment costs, there has been a significant increase in the efficiency of turbines through increased hub height and larger rotor blade diameter. The overall cost of wind energy is linked to the energy used in turbine manufacture. Wind energy is capital intensive with 75% of the total cost of energy related to the upfront costs of manufacturing the turbines foundations, electrical equipment, and grid connections. (Pine Energy, n.d.) It has been estimated that the energy used in the production of a turbine is recouped in the 7 months of operation and when one considers that the lifespan of a turbine is over 30 years the energy and financial gain is significant. (Duggy, Rogers, & Ayompe, 2015)

j.     Creation of jobs and local resources - The wind turbine industry is a rapidly growing industry and employs thousands of workers in the manufacture processes, transport of turbines, erection of turbines, and in servicing working turbines. Wind Energy projects can be of great help in developing local resources, labor, capital, and even materials. In 2016 the US Energy Department analyzed the future of wind energy and quantified the environmental, social, and economic benefits coming from the wind industry. The industry in the United States currently supports more than 50, 000 jobs in services such as manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Wind energy has become part of the country’s clean energy mix. It suggested that by 2050, more than 600, 000 wind-related jobs could be supported by the industry. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2015)

k.    Source of income for farmers, Land Owners and grid operators - Land for onshore wind farms is leased to electricity supply companies, making a tidy profit for the landowners who can carry on the normal activity on the land with little interference from the turbines. Lease times between 25 and 50 years are common. The UK Government has suggested that for a 2.5 MW turbine, costing d3.3 3 106, the payback time was between 1 and 5 years, allowing plenty of time for a good return on the investment. (Morrison & Liz., 2012)

l.      Stability of cost of electricity - Once the wind farm is in place the cost of the electricity to customers should be stable. It is not a function of the price of imported fuels. (Local Government Association, n.d.)

m.   International cooperation - It has been found that in many instances there is a clear relationship between a manufacturer’s success in its home country market and its eventual success in the global wind power market. Lewis and Wiser recently wrote, “Government policies that support a sizable, stable market for wind power, in conjunction with policies that specifically provide incentives for wind power technology to be manufactured locally, are most likely to result in the establishment of an internationally competitive wind industry”. (Lewis & Wise, 2007) This comment written years ago could well have been written today, and illustrates the importance and success of international cooperation.

CHALLENGES TO WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPLOITATION

Wind renewable energy power generation offers benefits and advantages over conventional power generation, however, there exist some challenges and problems such as:

1.     Environmental impacts – Poorly sited wind energy facilities may block bird migration routes and hurt or kill birds. To reduce the bird death, using bird scares to drive birds away from wind farms has been considered. A more recent study has revealed that fossil-fueled power stations appear to pose a much greater threat to avian wildlife than wind and nuclear power technologies. (Sovacool, 2009)

Building wind farms will change the character of local landscape. Modern large wind turbines are more than 100 m tall and thus can be seen at a far distance. In practice, the visual effect for local residents is a significant consideration and is always scrutinized for wind projects. To minimize the visual effect, wind turbines usually use neutral colors such as light grey or off-white. Strategies to minimize visual effects involve the spacing, design, and uniformity of turbines, markings or lighting, roads and service buildings. (Gipe)

2.    Wind turbine noise – Wind turbine noise consists of aerodynamic noise from rotating blades and mechanical vibration noise from gearboxes and generators. For a modern large wind turbine, aerodynamic noise from the blades is considered to be the dominant noise source. 

A detailed review of available wind turbine noise standards, regulations, and guidelines in Europe, North America, and Australia was made by Ramakrishnan. (Ramakrishnan, 2008) Though the noise limits vary significantly country to country, the approximate noise level at night-times in most European countries and Canada ranges from 35 to 40 dBA. Nigeria currently has no regulation or policy on noise limits.

There are a number of techniques for reducing aerodynamic noise produced by wind turbine blades. One of them is to use serrated blades at their trailing edges. It can improve blade aerodynamic characteristics and reduce the noise induced by Karman vortex street. (United States of America Patent No. 5,088,665, 1992) Another is to use turbulence generating means, placed on the leeward surface side and at the outer section of the blade, to reduce noise. (Godsk & Nielsen, 2006) In a recent US patent application, it has reported that with an anti-noise device at the blade trailing edge, it allows altering the characteristics of the boundary layer and therefore modifies emitted noise. (United States of America Patent No. 20,080,298,967, 2008)

The field measurements of GE wind turbines have shown that the use of the optimized blades and the serrated blades can reduce average overall noise by 0.5 and 3.2 dBA, respectively. (Oerlemans, Fisher, Maeder, & K?gler, 2009) In a field test of a 2.3 MW wind turbine, the over- all noise level reduction provided by blade serrations is over 6 dBA for at least two frequencies. (United States of America Patent No. 20090074585, 2009)

3.    Integration of wind power into grid – Electricity generated from wind turbines strongly depends on the local weather and geographic conditions that can fluctuate a great deal more than with some renewable energy sources such as hydropower. Nigeria upon deploying its resources in wind energy, would be able to ascertain areas of high, medium and low penetration levels; emerging varied conditions for productivity; and areas that pose bottlenecks and challenges.

In order to integrate wind renewable energy power successfully, issues such as design and operation of the power system; grid infrastructure issues; grid connection of wind power; market redesign issues; institutional issues need to be addressed. (The European Wind Energy Association, 2009)

A wind farm does not operate all the time, so backup capacity is needed for when it does not and differences between forecast and actual production have to be balanced. Balancing and backup come at a cost, as does building new infrastructure. These facts apply to wind energy just as they apply to other power producing technologies that we integrate into the electricity grids.  The non-wind renewable energy generating technology, basic principles of balancing, backing up, aggregation and forecasting also apply to wind renewable energy. (The European Wind Energy Association, 2009)

4.    Thermal management of wind turbines – Large wind turbines are usually installed far away from urban areas and often operate under severe climate conditions, thus experiencing large variations in environmental temperatures. As a consequence, there is a need for a wind turbine to have a robust thermal control system for maintaining temperature levels inside the nacelle within specified limits. (Tong, Wind Power Generation and Wind Turbine Design, 2010)

During turbine operation, heat is generated from electric/electronic devices and rotating mechanical components (e.g. gearboxes and bearings) as a result of various power losses. For ensuring safe and reliable operation and preventing failure of the turbine, heat generated in the wind turbine must be dissipated efficiently. Wind turbine cooling includes: (solapv, n.d.)

a.     Wind generator cooling

b.    Electronic and electric equipment cooling 

c.     Gearbox cooling

d.    Other components/subsystems cooling 

New cooling techniques have continuously been innovated in all cooling modes. A method was proposed to utilize incoming wind to cool the wind turbine. This wind assisted cooling system sucks in wind flow from an air inlet port on the top of the nacelle, fills the received airflow into the generator and finally exhausts at the front of the nacelle. (United States of America Patent No. 7,427,814, 2008) Some large wind generators use water or oil cooling for dealing with high thermal loads. (United States of America Patent No. 6,520737, 2003) While the turbine benefits high cooling efficiency, it also suffers lower reliability and higher cost for adding such a complex cooling system.

The main challenge for electronic devices in a wind turbine is that they must withstand a wide range of ambient temperatures, usually from –40 to +55°C. In addition, they must be protected from dusts and moisture, as well as electrical shocks from lightning. There are several cooling modes in electronic cooling, including passive or active air cooling, forced single- or multi-phase liquid cooling, and phase change cooling. Under high ambient temperature conditions, a cooling or ventilation system is necessary to prevent overheating of electronic devices. (solapv, n.d.)

In cold climates, heating may be required for:

a.     Warming up the lubrication oil in gearboxes

b.    Heating blades and hub to prevent them from icing over

c.     Raising the temperature inside the control cabinets toward a desired temperature range to prevent electronic devices from malfunctioning 

5.    Wind energy storage - The technologies for wind energy storage have been developed over several decades to convert wind energy into various forms of energy, including Electrochemical energy in batteries and super capacitors; Magnetic energy in superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES); Kinetic energy in rotating flywheels; Potential energy in pumped water at higher altitudes; Mechanical energy in compressed air in vast geologic vaults; Hydrogen energy by decomposing water. (solapv, n.d.)

Among these techniques, the most popular method is to use batteries. However, there are some drawbacks to regular batteries, such as cost, short lifetime, corrosion, and disposal concerns. (Battery University, 2010) Research and development of innovative batteries are underway. It has reported that lithium-ion battery technology is projected to provide stationary electrical energy solutions to enable the effective use in renewable energy sources. It is expected that safe and reliable lithium-ion batteries will soon be connected to solar cells and wind turbines. (Daniel, 2008) Sodium-sulfur battery is another promising candidate for energy storage. (Wen, et al., 2008) This type of battery is preferably used to store renewable energy such as wind, sunlight, and geothermal heat. (United States of America Patent No. 20,080,206,626, 2008)

6.    Wind turbine lifetime – Modern wind turbines are designed for the lifetime of 20–30 years. A critical challenge facing turbine manufacturers and wind power plants is how to achieve the lifetime goals while at the same time minimize the costs of maintenance and repair. (solapv, n.d.)

7.    Cost of electricity from wind power - Wind power is characterized by low variable costs and relatively high fixed costs. The main factors governing wind power economics are (The European Wind Energy Association, n.d.):

a.     Investment costs, including wind turbines, foundations, and grid connection 

b.    Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, including regular maintenance, repairs, insurance, spare parts, and administration 

c.     Wind turbine’s electricity production cost, which highly depends on the wind turbine capacity, wind farm size, and average wind speed at the chosen site 

d.    Wind turbine lifetime 

e.    Discount rate  

NECESSARY CONSIDERATIONS FOR WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian government in a bid to revamp the power sector, launched the National Electric Power Policy 2001, which specified reforms contained in the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005. The Act led to the unbundling and privatization of generation and distribution companies in 2013. It removed the monopoly of the vertically integrated National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), and unbundled it into six generation companies (GenCos)[1], 11 distribution companies (DISCOs)[2], and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). (World Bank, 2017)

The Act encourages promotion of electricity generation from all sources of energy, including renewable energy by mandating NERC to create a level playing field in the Nigerian electricity market. The Act provides for licensing by NERC for any electricity generation of 1MW and above.

The Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005, is the key legislation for the Power sector in Nigeria. The Act requires that participants in the power sector with an on-grid supply in excess of 1MW obtain a license from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); the license is valid for fifteen years and subject to renewal.

In order to be an active participant in the power sector, an investor must take cognizance of the following legal, financial, technical requirements:

LEGAL:

a.     Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission;

b.    Environmental impact assessment report and approval, obtained from Federal Ministry of Environment;

c.     Proof of minimum of six months on-site measurement;

d.    Documentation on registered title for the land where the project will be sited;

e.    Evidence of requisite permit or approval from other relevant authorities relating to the project.

f.     For Non-Nigerian investors, obtain business permits and documentations from Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.

FINANCIAL:

a.     Tariff methodology and calculation;

b.    Short-term and medium-term cash flow projections;

c.     Funding arrangements, investment plans and risk management strategy.

TECHNICAL:

a.     Details of experience in and knowledge of the power industry;

b.    Summary of skills and experience of Directors and management;

c.     Power Station Information – Total generating capacity (MW); annual generation capacity; station load and factor.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GENERATION SUB-SECTOR

1. Captive Generation

Feature

a. Off-Grid

b. Power consumed by Generating entity

c. >1MW

d. No distribution infrastructure required

e. Permit required from NERC

Regulation

NERC Captive Power Generation Regulation

2. Embedded Generation

Feature

a. Plant directly connected to distribution network

b. >1MW

c. Power sold directly to DisCo through bilateral contract

d. License required from NERC

e. Good for cluster of customers e.g. Industrial Estates

Regulation

NERC Regulation on Embedded Generation

3. IPP Off-grid

Feature

a. Plant is not connected to the National Grid

b. Power is sold to an off-taker (Commercial or Residential) through bilateral contract

c. Good for cluster of customers e.g. Housing estates, industrial customers, large installations of telco equipment

d. There may be need to invest in distribution infrastructure

e. Requires license from NERC

4. IPP On-grid

Feature

a. Generation plant is connected to the grid

b. Power is evacuated to the National Grid

c. Suitable for large scale projects

d. Requires PPA with the Bulk Trader (NBET)

e. Subject to capacity need & system constraints

f. Requires license from NERC

Regulation

NERC Generation Procurement Regulations

5. Embedded Independent Electricity Distribution Network (IEDN)

Feature

a. For areas where there is presently no distribution network

b. Will connect to existing DisCo to be able to distribute power

c. Possibility of ring fencing a section of willing paying customers of a DisCo

d. DisCo will be responsible for installation and management of electricity meters

6. Rural Off-Grid IEDN

Feature

a. Isolated IEDN in rural area not connected to any licensed distribution or transmission network

b. Rural area is defined as an area

c. Situated over 10KM from the boundaries of an urban area or city

d. With less than 20,000 inhabitants

e. At-least 20KM away from the nearest existing 11KV line

f. Will require to purchase power from a Generating Company through bilateral contract

g. Can seek financial support from the Rural Electrification Fund (which at present is non-operational)

h. Requires license from NERC

7. Urban Off-Grid IEDN

Feature

a. IEDN in an urban area but not connected to any licensed Transmission Network

b. Separate tariffs to be approved by NERC

c. Electricity Meters installation and management responsibility of investor

d. Requires license from NERC

Source - (The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, n.d.)

RECOMMENDATION TO NIGERIA ON EXPLOITING WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY

a.  Government support for Research and Development activities on all renewable technologies consistent with a long-term national energy policy, with particular focus on wind energy.

b.  Preparation of a detailed geographical survey of domestic onshore and offshore resources for all renewable energy types, with particular focus on wind energy.

c.   Enactment of clear and development friendly laws and policies on all renewable energy types, with particular focus on wind energy.

d.  Government support for the development of manufacturing industry in those technologies deemed economic for exploitation, taking note of comparable government support elsewhere and openness or otherwise of markets to foreign suppliers.

e.  The creation of more meteorological stations in order to be able to produce a detailed and verifiable wind maps and atlases for Nigeria. 

f.   Upgrade on the current equipment in use by the existing meteorological stations in tune with latest global technological advancements.

CONCLUSION

The Nigerian Government has shown a strong intent, to revamp the power sector through its agreement with Siemens. However, Nigeria needs to take the deliberate step towards developing a transmission and distribution grid infrastructure, capable of accommodating renewable energy, with particular focus on harnessed wind energy. 

If we must take the paradigm shift of paying lip service to our dear nation Nigeria’s woes, concrete and deliberate steps must be taken to first commission a team to properly study and provide a report of the wind resources in the Country, and upgrade the current aerometers in current use by the Meteorological Society. 

The Government of President Muhammadu Buhari completed a 10MW wind farm project, located in Lamber Rimi area of Katsina State. (Zyl, 2021) This feat though commendable, barely causes a dent in the current energy woes Nigeria is faced with.

I implore the government to invest more in renewable energy, particularly wind energy as the developed Nations are doing. This would provide Nigerians with security of energy supply, a fair and low electricity price for the consumer and sustainable, climate-friendly electricity generation, boost employment; all of whom would boost the economy and ensure the Nigerian transition from a theory-based economy to a knowledge based one.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am grateful to Prof (Dr) Nya Joe Jacob, Onyinye Anne-Nzelu CEM?, Glory Uloma Ejike and Suliat Omolade Amuda for their time and invaluable insights shared with me towards preparing this paper.

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[1] Egbin Power Limited; Transcorp Power; Shiroro; Kainji/Jebba; Sapele; Geregu. (They are the top six GenCos providing Nigeria with electricity)

[2] Kaduna, Yola, Enugu, Abuja, Ibadan, Jos, Eko, Ikeja, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plcs.