Wind Energy Opportunities In Nigeria

Alternative sources of energy are not on a high priority list for the Nigerian Government. This is mostly due to the oil rich southern region of Nigeria, which has not only provided lucrative crude oil for industrialized nations, but it has also reduced interests in alternative energy sources such as wind in Nigeria. However, some studies have been conducted on the potential for wind energy.

One study conducted by Oriaku et al. (2007) found that there was a 98 percent probability of having 2.0 meter per second/ hourly wind speed available between 1994 and 2003 in Umudike, Abia State. The maximum extractable speed was estimated at 11.3 kilowatts.¹ The reason this study was conducted was to increase energy supply in this region through a Wind Energy Conversion System. Although this is considered a light energy source, it would help supplement the current energy projects in the nation.

Ngala et al. (2007) conducted another study, which examined whether it was economically feasible to introduce wind energy conversion systems in Maiduguri, Borno State. They found that there is enough wind speed to generate power for the region.² The estimated energy densities at 25 meters in height were between 4.712 and 27.449-megawatt hours per month. One problem that they did identify is that wind energy is not steady because the turbines cannot provide continuous energy and therefore, they suggest that wind turbines operate in conjunction with diesel engines. This will in turn, reduce fuel consumption by 40 percent, according to the researchers.

Wind energy in Nigeria seems to be mainly discussed as a supplementary energy source. This is in large part due to the unsteady supply of wind energy compared to fossil fuels.