The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported in December 2022 that only 27, 000 Nigerian homes were connected to hydropower sources between 2014 and 2021.
During the period highlighted in the report, Nigeria also experienced steady growth in solar energy connections.
From 2012 to 2021, Nigerians used solar lights less than 11 watts at a steady rate.
There were 117,000 people in 2012.
382,000 people lived there in 2013.
In 2014, the number had risen to 674,000.
By 2015, there were 1,450,000 connections.
Solar lights less than 11 watts will be used by 2,652,000 people by 2020.
The number had grown to 3,516,000 by 2021.
The number of people using solar home systems (SHS) has increased between 2013 and 2021.
26,000 people were connected to solar home systems between 11 and 50 watts in 2013.
In 2018, 464,000 people were connected to solar home systems.
Solar home systems will be connected to 847,000 people by 2020.
By 2021, 813,000 people were connected to solar home systems.
As of 2021, there are 78,000 Nigerians connected to tier-1 solar mini-grids, up from 14 in 2012.
Tier-1 mini-grids provide less electricity with the most restrictive usage hours, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
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Those under tier-1 mini-grids have access to task lighting (increased lighting for specific tasks like sewing), radio and phone charging for over four hours each day.
According to the data, the number of Nigerians connected to tier-2 solar mini-grids and higher increased from 54 in 2016 to 91,000 in 2019 and has remained the same through 2021.
It is possible to use tier-2 mini-grids for over four hours during the day and two hours in the evening, since they have a peak capacity over 20 watts. However, those on tier-2 mini-grids can access general lighting, television, computing, radio, phone charging, air circulation, printing, and task lighting (increased lighting for specific tasks like sewing).
Data shows that Nigeria has achieved a lot in the renewable energy sector.
There is still a need for the country to develop relevant renewable energy policies that will increase stakeholders’ capability to develop large-scale solar energy projects with minimal bottlenecks.
It will close power supply gaps in Nigeria, especially in areas that are underserved and unserved.
