An Assessment of Alternative Sources of Energy for Domestic Uses in Nigeria

Abstract

This study is on "Alternative sources of energy for domestic uses in Nigeria" Energy supply as an index for measurement of the socio-economic development of a country deserves adequate and timely funding if the tempo of advancement in all human endeavours is to be at the fast track. Nigeria is abundantly blessed with various sources of energy (both renewable and non-renewable such as the solar, wind, biomass, petroleum, natural gas, tar sands and uranium (nuclear fuel). The cost of exploration and exploitation of the non- renewable sources such as fossil fuels is on the high side besides being a wasting asset; hence the need to focus on renewable sources like the solar, wind and biomass to make this needed energy available and affordable to the populace. The technology behind the harnessing of these resources is adequately treated in this research project. The yawning gap between what is known and what is on the ground is lack of advocacy for the adoption of the processes particularly by the grassroots. To this end the research utilized the social survey method while both qualitative and quantitative analysis was applied to the primary and secondary data collected. The Nigerian National Energy Policy was compared with that of the World Energy Council and Nigeria is seen to be abreast with the rest of the world. All that Nigeria needs is to translate this laudable policy into action. The development of alternate sources of energy could be expensive initially but the running cost is far more competitive than the conventional non-renewable sources. It follows therefore that substantial investment has to be committed to the renewable sources of energy at the initial stages. Amongst the recommendations made is a fact that the ECN (Energy Commission of Nigeria) should have zonal offices in the six geopolitical zones. This will go a long way in promoting the use of renewable energy sources to a large percentage of the population. These applications will also help to train a lot of artisans besides providing job opportunities in the manufacture and maintenance of the equipment thereby reducing the pressure on the National Electric Power Authority. This study found that the popularization of renewable sources of energy to the rural areas would empower the people economically and socially thereby reducing the rural- urban drift of the youths with its attendant increase in their anti-social behaviors. Further studies could be carried out on the cost of complete installations of alternative sources of energy in different parts of Nigeria in all applicable areas.