Harmonizing Solar Energy Access and Affordability in Nigeria: The Role of Policy and Energy Management in Rural Electrification

Abstract

Renewable clean energy has become a central strategy for addressing energy shortages and environmental challenges, aligning with sustainability goals such as SDG7 and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. The International Energy Agency estimates that approximately $15 billion annually is required to achieve universal energy access by 2030, supporting clean energy for heating, cooling, cooking, transportation, buildings, lighting, and industry. Despite this momentum, issues of affordability and sustainability continue to hinder the widespread adoption of renewable technologies, underscoring the need to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and frameworks. This research critically examines the policy, planning, and energy management dimensions of solar energy development in Nigeria, assessing how current strategies can be strengthened to improve the affordability of decentralized solar systems, optimize the energy mix, and enhance energy efficiency through effective government mechanisms that expand access and reduce emissions. Drawing on comparative case studies from India, Egypt, China, and Germany, the study analyzes approaches to deployment challenges, including storage, efficiency, and financing models. Using a mixed-method approach and three case studies in Abuja, KAPSCO in Kaduna, and the University of Abuja, it evaluates the socioeconomic impact of solar deployment and proposes sustainable policy reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector.