In a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), it has been revealed that Nigerians have been compelled to depend on backup generators to fulfill an astonishing 40% of their electricity requirements. Additionally, the national power grid in the country faced 46 instances of collapse between 2017 and 2023.
The year 2023 witnessed a disturbing surge in widespread blackouts, notably on September 14, when a significant transmission line fire led to a complete grid failure. This incident highlighted the pressing challenges confronting Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address and rectify the deficiencies in the nation’s electricity sector.
“Nigeria endured a nationwide blackout lasting approximately ten hours on 14 September 2023. The grid collapsed due to a fire on a major transmission line.
“The country has grappled with recurrent power failures, totaling 46 grid collapses between 2017 and 2023. Nigeria’s grid continues to face issues due to aged infrastructure and vandalism.”
Nigeria’s Power Sector Challenges: Insights from the IEA Report
A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) sheds light on the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector. The current dire situation is attributed to a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, widespread vandalism, and inadequate maintenance practices, all of which have collectively undermined the stability of the nation’s power grid.
Despite possessing a total installed capacity of around 13 gigawatts (GW), the available capacity in 2023 remained significantly low, hovering at approximately 4.5 GW. The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address these issues and enhance the resilience and efficiency of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
“In 2022, 73% of Nigeria’s population had access to electricity, an increase of more than 70 million people during the past decade.
“Although the country has a total installed capacity of about 13 GW, average available capacity remained around 4.5 GW in 2023 due to a combination of factors such as deteriorating units, poor maintenance, and liquidity constraints.
“Unreliable power supply due to limited grid infrastructure, underinvestment, and ineffective regulatory frameworks have resulted in an estimated 40% of all the electricity consumed in the country being produced from backup generators.”
Nigeria’s Electricity Generation Landscape and Transition
The report highlights the composition of Nigeria’s electricity generation in 2023, revealing that natural gas played a predominant role, contributing to 75% of the electricity generated on the primary grid.
This reliance on natural gas is projected to continue until 2030, in accordance with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan. However, a substantial decline is anticipated by 2050 as the nation explores more sustainable alternatives.
The IEA report forecasts a rise in the adoption of renewable energy sources in the forthcoming years. Renewables are expected to undergo steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8% between 2024 and 2026.
Hydropower, propelled by the completion of the Zungeru project, is anticipated to constitute a significant portion of renewable energy generation, producing an estimated 2.6 terawatt-hours per year.
Furthermore, solar photovoltaic (PV) is poised for rapid expansion, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 50% over the next three years.
Amidst Nigeria’s ongoing energy challenges, the shift towards renewable energy sources provides optimism for a more dependable and sustainable power supply in the future.
