Renewable Energy Is Solution To Constant Grid Collapse – Mustapha Abdullahi

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, has said renewable energy would ensure power stability in the country if prioritized.

Abdullahi said the constant national grid collapse could be addressed through investment in renewable energy.

Naijaonpoint reported that the country’s national grid collapsed about 11 times in 2024. There were also line trippings in 2024 and on Saturday resulting in power outages across Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, Abdullahi pointed out that the national grid required an alternative considering the demand for power in the country.

“Renewable energy (RE) solutions present a practical and sustainable way to address the challenges created by persistent national grid collapses and other energy crises. The national grid in its current state requires more reliable alternative within the power generation ecosystem.

“The need to infuse renewable energy solutions, such as solar energy, wind power and hydropower, remains crucial in addressing current power generation challenges,” he said.

The ECN Director General while commending the federal government’s investments in the renewable energy sector, emphasized that a decentralized energy system would bridge the country’s current power supply gap.

He highlighted that gains include constant electricity which would empower rural economies and help the country’s industrial growth.

“The federal government has already begun to implement the National Renewable Energy Roadmap (NRER) developed by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) with a clear aim of providing alternative power that reduce reliance on the centralized grid while maintaining at least an average power supply through decentralization.

“Decentralized renewable energy systems will play a key role in bridging the current power supply gap. For instance, photovoltaic solar and onshore wind systems can power rural and semi-urban areas often neglected by the national grid.

“These systems will not only provide consistent electricity but also empower rural economies, enabling micro-businesses to grow and improving access to essential services such as healthcare and education. With meaningful local and global collaborations, we can achieve the optimal installed capacity of electricity by leveraging on renewable energy sources to ensure energy stability across the country,” he stated.

Abdullahi assured ECN’s commitment to attracting investors to invest in the sector through policies and capacity building.

“The Energy Commission of Nigeria, under my stewardship, stands as a catalyst, championing policies that attract private sector investment, build local capacity, and prioritize renewable energy integration through extended collaborations with stakeholders, governments, and global communities

“The renewable energy systems have become more efficient and cheaper over the years, a paradigm shift to renewable energy will substantially close the energy gaps, reduce grid disruptions, and accelerate its journey toward energy independence and economic growth,” he added.