Work

Comparative assessment of concentrated solar power and photovoltaic for power generation and green hydrogen potential in West Africa: A case study on Nigeria

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transition towards sustainable energy, championed by the Nigerian Electricity Act (2023) underscores the importance of solar energy and green hydrogen in tackling energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria. However, uncertainty remains among investors and government entities regarding the optimal geographic, technical, and economic conditions for utility-scale renewable electricity projects. To address this, an evaluation of two solar technologies—Photovoltaic (PV) and Parabolic Trough CSP technology (PT-CSP)—was conducted under specific geographical and techno-economic criteria to support solar electricity and green hydrogen development across Nigeria. The study estimated Nigeria’s energy demand and employed site evaluation, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, alongside the NREL System Advisory Model (NREL-SAM) for power plant analysis. Results indicate that 105.63 GWe of grid capacity is required to meet Nigeria’s energy demand, whereas 57.32 GWe from grid-connected solar plants needed to replace unsustainable grid supplying 54.3% of estimated population. Lagos requires the highest capacity (4.93 GWe), followed by Rivers, Kano, Oyo, and Ogun. Land suitability assessment identified 0.79% (6,815.68 km²) of Nigeria as highly suitable for solar-hydrogen projects, while 18.49% (158,450.45 km²) is less suitable with most of Nigeria moderately suitable. Regions are ranked with the North-Central and North-East identified as most viable for PV and PT-CSP projects. A comparative economic analysis shows PV is superior in Nigeria, generating twice the energy output and costing six times less per unit of electricity than PT-CSP. These findings offer guidance for optimal solar energy and green hydrogen deployment.

Source: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115548

Authors: C.J. Okeke, P.K. Egberibine, J.U. Edet, J. Wilson, R.E. Blanchard

Institutions: Loughborough University, Cranfield University, University of Uyo

Language: English

Topic: Solar Radiation and Photovoltaics

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,220