We all are aware of how the energy problem faced in Nigeria and West Africa poses a huge threat to the entire African continent. Less than 60% of Nigerians have access to the electricity provided by the government while over 50% of the 60% do not have access to constant electricity.    

The availability of electricity in Nigeria has worsened over the years thereby intensifying its failure to provide adequate and reliable energy to its population. As a result, its impact on the economy has deteriorated immensely.    

Its commercial and industrial sectors have become heavily reliant on self-generated power, using petrol and diesel generators. The cost of living and running businesses have become expensive as companies, home owners and tenants now have to rely on these generators for power, resulting in an overly high operational cost because of fuel purchase, lubricants, servicing and so much more.    

Consequently, emission of fumes becomes the order of the day, thereby causing environmental and air pollution. These are issues that should no longer be overlooked in a consciously developing nation.    

Nigeria’s shortage of reliable power supply is a constraint on the country’s economic growth. In consequence, there is the desperate need for renewable energy.     

What is renewable energy bringing to the table?

Renewable energy seeks to solve countless numbers of the power problems as well as create benefits for many people. One outstandingly exciting solution that renewable energy has provided over the years is its immense reduction in the cost of living. This benefit in particular cannot be overemphasised. Nonetheless, everyday keeps bringing to fore the knowledge that renewable energy and technologies is fast becoming the norm. Here are top benefits that renewable energy provides;    

●  Reduced Cost:  Renewable energy saves operational running cost in terms of buying fuel to run generators every now and then. Solar system saves people largely from the operational running cost (OpEx) that they would invest on generators because after installation of renewable energy, they get to pay little or no amount to maintain what was initially installed as opposed to ten times the probable payment when running on generators.    

●  Improved Reliability:  It is no news that over a billion people lack access to electricity, while another one billion have an unreliable power supply. Improved reliability, rapidly falling technology costs and supportive policies of the government have made renewable electricity solutions viable for the 80% of those without access in rural areas or small developing island states.    

●  Health:  Countless people have been reported to have health problems originating from air pollution and this has become a matter of concern in many developing countries. It would come as a shock to some people to know that in the 21st century, there are innumerable people who still use wood and its end products to cook. However, the basic options that keep renewable energy running – solar, hydropower and wind – rarely emit air pollutants.    

●  Employment:  Every year, renewable energy provides an increasingly expanding numbers of jobs around the globe.