Assessing the viability of a grid-connected PV power plant in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This paper is based on a techno-economic analysis and the environmental impact of a proposed 1 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at the main campus of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi (FPM) in north-eastern Nigeria. A photovoltaic power plant converts solar radiation into electricity that can be used as a source of electrical power to meet the daily energy requirements of homes, equipment, and all tertiary institutions. RETScreen Expert software was used to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of installing a grid-connected PV power plant. The research results revealed that with an annual solar radiation of 5.74 kWh/m2/day, the maximum annual energy production was estimated to be 1,550.98 MWh. It was discovered that the maximum energy production in March was 146.89 MWh. The project’s profitability and economic sustainability were determined with a good internal rate of return (IRR) of 11.9% and a positive net present value (NPV) of $681,164. The proposed PV power plant has a simple payback period of 11.4 years. The maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction is 670.9 tCO2, equivalent to 61.7 ha of forest-absorbing carbon emissions

Analysis of a Solar Hybrid Electricity Generation System for a Rural Community in River State, Nigeria

This paper presents the technical and economic analysis of a solar–wind electricity generation system to meet the power requirements of a rural community (Okorobo-Ile Town in Rivers State, Nigeria) using the Renewable—energy and Energy—efficiency Technology Screening (RETScreen) software. The entire load estimation of the region was classified into high class, middle class, and lower class. Two annual electricity export rates were considered: 0.1 USD/KWh and 0.2 USD/KWh. The results from the proposed energy model comprising a 600 kW PV system and a 50 kW wind system showed that with a USD 870,000 initial cost and USD 9600 O&M cost, the annual value of the electricity generated was 902 MWh. The simple payback was 5.1 years with a net present value of USD 3,409,532 when 0.2 USD/KWh was used as the annual export rate instead of 10.8 years for simple payback and an NPV of USD 1,173,766 when 0.1 USD/KWh was used. Thus, there is a potential to install a wind–solar system with average weather conditions of 4.27 kWh/m2/d for the solar irradiance and 3.2 m/s for the wind speed at a 10 m hub height using a rate of 0.2 USD/KWh as the electricity export rate

Flood susceptibility mapping of Kathmandu metropolitan city using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis

Floods are among the most severe hazards around the world triggered by climate change, threatening environmental sustainability, economies, and ecological cycles and damaging infrastructure and causing loss of lives. We aimed to prepare a flood susceptibility map of Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC) and identify the most flood-susceptible local administrative unit using a multi-criteria decision analysis model, including the analytical hierarchical process and weighted linear combination in geographic information system. Six flood hazard criteria—slope, elevation, drainage density, rainfall, land use and cover, and distance from river—were proposed to produce a flood susceptibility map. Among them, distance from river was the most significant criterion followed by rainfall and land use and land cover. The results showed that a large proportion (56%) of KMC is in moderate flood potential zone, while 32% and 11% proportions of KMC are in high and low flood potential zones, respectively. Wards 4 and 14 of KMC are the highest and lowest flood prone zones, respectively. The accuracy of the obtained map by multicriteria decision model is 81.2%, which was validated through observation of the significant flood events and flood location. These findings are useful for flood risk mitigation and logical allocation of programme budget to the local units. The procedures applied in this study are helpful for hydrologists, urban planners, policymakers, and professionals in hydrology

Techno-Economic Optimization of Mini-Grid Systems in Nigeria: A Case Study of a PV–Battery–Diesel Hybrid System

This paper presents a feasibility analysis of the technical, environmental, and economic sustainability of an existing mini-grid technology system in Nigeria. The study investigates the cost and other operational parameters of the Gbamu-Gbamu solar–battery–diesel hybrid mini-grid, specifically the 85 kWp solar PV installation in the Ijebu East Local Government area of Ogun state. Situated within the Owo forest in South-West Nigeria, the mini-grid aims to reduce the effects of global warming and promote sustainable technological development in rural communities by increasing energy access through renewable sources. To assess the system’s viability, this research utilized RETScreen Expert software to validate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of the installed mini-grid solar–PV–battery–diesel system in the region. Climatic data for the study were obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The results demonstrate that the system is economically feasible and environmentally viable, as indicated by the positive net present value (NPV) and an average monthly irradiance of 4.78 kW/h/m2. Furthermore, the system achieved a 92.9% reduction in GHG emissions, provided a reasonable payback period of four years, and enabled a yearly electricity export of 203 MWh. These findings highlight the system’s potential to enhance energy access and mitigate climate change

Enhancing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture: Optimization of greenhouse energy consumption through microgrid systems utilizing advanced meta-heuristic algorithms

Greenhouses offer controlled microclimates that enable year-round cultivation, improving food security and agricultural productivity. However, greenhouses are energy-intensive, with heating accounting for a significant portion of the associated costs. This study explores optimal microgrid configurations, economic viability, and policy recommendations for sustainable greenhouse agriculture in Nigeria. An in-depth energy assessment of a reference greenhouse in a South Korean facility is conducted. Distinct climatic differences between South Korea and Nigeria are highlighted, emphasizing the need for tailored greenhouse designs and energy solutions. Shifting focus to Nigeria, this study investigates the feasibility of hybrid renewable energy systems with a focus on wind and solar power across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The analysis encompasses technical, economic, and policy aspects, providing a holistic perspective on renewable energy adoption. Notably, the study uses an advanced optimization model, Teaching and Learning–Based Optimization algorithm, to assess the net present cost and baseload supply reliability, offering valuable insights for investors and policymakers. The result indicates diverse energy requirements across Nigeria, with total monthly peak energy demands ranging from 5374.80 kWh in the Southeast to 17,115.76 kWh in the Northwest, and a notable variation in the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), with the lowest at $0.07327 in Kano. Specifically, in Ogun, the net present cost for the WT-PV-ESS system stood at$520,935.45, while the PV-ESS system cost was substantially lower at $500,444.41. This confirms the effectiveness of location-specific analysis and shows the suitability of photovoltaic–battery energy storage systems for Nigeria's diverse regions, with unique considerations for specific areas. Policy recommendations, including feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, net metering, research support, and market development, provide a holistic framework for the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Improving infrastructure, market access, and financing for smallholder farmers is integral for improving food security and standards of living in rural Nigeria. In conclusion, Nigeria can leverage renewable resources to revolutionize its energy and agriculture sectors, setting an example for a sustainable and resilient future