Investigating the role of subsistence renewables in alleviating power poverty within Nigeria’s energy-mix strategy

Abstract

AbstractNigeria, a country rich in renewable sources still heavily relies on nonrenewable energy, of which the government’s on-grid supply remains inadequate, and generally of poor services. This study, therefore, investigated subsistence renewables by citizens able to contribute to the country’s energy-mix plan and help ameliorate power poverty challenges. Qualitative primary data were sourced using the Delphi experts’ method from energy experts and practitioners possessing relevant knowledge bases regarding the energy-mix strategy with an understanding of the power poverty scenarios. The findings show that the effect size in the very high-level option for solar potentials was relatively more than wind and bio sources. The study reveals that citizens could mostly afford low-capacity solar installations, with considerable interest in the energy-mix strategy. Medium-capacity solar was found to be quite unaffordable, leading to a perceptually very low potential for solar. A showstopper in incorporating solar effectively into Nigeria’s energy-mix scenario was the citizens’ non-affordability of accessing high-capacity systems. It is, however, deduced that affordability and recognition of values are congruous. Conclusively, the experts are optimistic regarding subsistence renewables potentials in the energy-mix strategy. Solar is, however, considered the most crucial, surpassing wind and bio sources. The study suggests that the government could incentivize renewable energy systems, particularly solar, to promote subsistence solutions through affordability by citizens, adoption, and sustainability within the energy-mix strategy. It is further recommended that citizens’ income levels should be raised to favor the affordability of off-grid renewable energy systems.