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Optimisation of renewable energy resources for global energy security: a case study of Nigeria. Abiodun Akinola, Division of Environmental Engineering, School of Applied Science, Abertay University. Email: a.akinola2100@abertay.ac.uk
Introduction The importance of energy supply as the fabric of life cannot be overemphasised. At present, the globe is confronted with the challenges of energy access, and the current practice of energy generation from fossil fuels, which emits carbon that is responsible for global warming, leading to climate change. Consequently, the world is faced with twin challenges of global energy shortage and unsustainable mode of energy generation. As a proposed solution to the dual challenges, the United Nations (UN), through the Paris Agreement seek to limit global warming and attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. At the same time, the UN, in its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aim to ensure adequate and affordable energy for all, by 2030. These two objectives of the United Nations can only be attained by energy transition: a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy (RE).
Nigeria's socio-economic indicators Population living in poverty (2010): 112million Access to electricity: 47% Number of households without electricity: 15.3million Electricity consumption per capital: 150kWh
Work carried out I conducted a preliminary research and observed that most RE system comprise hybrid of fossil fuel and RE resources, incorporating battery storage. Fossil fuel emits carbon and battery storage increases the cost, negating both the net-zero carbon target and SDGs’ affordable energy ambition. I also discovered that most of the current RE system have a RE mix of hydro, wind and solar, which is not appropriate due to their intermittencies. Whereas biomass is readily available, and biofuel can be stored instead of battery storage.
Research question What are the key factors affecting a faster uptake of renewable energy globally?
Aim To design a sustainable and lowcost Solar PV – Biogas hybrid renewable energy supply system for decentralised utilisation in developing countries.
Method and Material The research adopts a mixedmethod of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Primary data include appropriate and local design requirements, user energy demand behaviour and relevant institutional or organisational information. Obtained data would be optimised and scenario simulation will be carried out using the engineering software: HOMER (Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources).
References Schematic diagram of hybrid renewable energy system.
Renewable energy mix
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Halff, A., Sovacool, B. K. and Rozhon, J. (2014) Energy Poverty: Global challenges and local solutions. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Shezan, S. A., Julai, S., Kibria, M.A., Ullah, K.R., Saidur, R., Chong, W.T. and Akikur, R.K. (2016) 'Performance analysis of an off-grid wind-PV (photovoltaic)-diesel battery hybrid energy system feasible for remote areas', Journal of Cleaner Production, 125, pp. 121132. Investing in China's Clean Energy Industry – China Briefing News (china-briefing.com) Accessed on 22 March 2022
Hydro, wind and solar RE mix Abertay University is an operating name of the University of Abertay Dundee, a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC016040.