Renewables
Nigeria targets 2060 for solar and green hydrogen power system
The Federal Government has outlined plans to achieve a largely solar-powered electricity network backed by green hydrogen by the year 2060.
Key points
- Nigeria aims for a solar and green hydrogen power matrix by 2060.
- Installed renewable energy capacity stood at 2,638 megawatts in 2024.
- The Energy Commission called for the approval of a national hydrogen policy.
What happened
Nigeria aims to transition to a power sector driven by solar energy and storage by 2060, according to the Energy Commission of Nigeria. Speaking at an event in Ado-Ekiti, officials noted that green hydrogen will serve as backup power to lower emissions in heavy industries.
According to Tribune Online, the Director-General of the commission, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, stated that the country must boost investments in renewable technology and local manufacturing. Although installed renewable capacity reached 2,638 megawatts in 2024, the sector faces hurdles such as reliance on imported components, weak grid infrastructure, and limited financing.
Why it matters
Experts at the summit emphasised that scaling up renewables is vital for expanding electricity access. World Bank figures for 2024 indicate that Nigeria's electricity use per person stands at 140.6 kilowatt-hours, well below the global average of 3,708.5 kilowatt-hours. With solar radiation in northwestern states reaching up to 7.0 kilowatt-hours per square metre daily, officials highlighted the vast potential waiting to be harnessed.
What comes next
The commission has urged the swift approval of a draft National Hydrogen Policy and the creation of a National Hydrogen Council. Meanwhile, CrossAfrique Hydrogen Limited is collaborating with the German development agency GIZ to set up a Green Energy Hub at Afe Babalola University to advance research and training.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Renewables are the fastest-growing part of the world’s energy system. The COP28 goal is to triple capacity by 2030, and solar mini-grids are the fastest route to power for millions of people without electricity.
22.0% of electricity in Nigeria was renewable in 2021Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
