International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 05 | May 2024
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p-ISSN: 2395-0072
SUSTAINING THE GRID WITH MORE RENEWABLE ENERGY MIX AND SMART GRID APPLICATIONS, A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA’S GRID NETWORK EKECHUKWU, DARLINGTON EZE Department of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology, University of South Wales, United Kingdom ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - This study examines problems with Nigeria's grid
However, the country's energy mix is dominated by nonrenewable energy sources like oil and gas. As a result, both Nigeria's natural resources and citizens' health have suffered due to environmental degradation. Fossil fuels account for the majority of Nigeria's energy production, which increases carbon emissions and the country's reliance on imported fuel. The integration of renewable energy sources into the Nigerian electrical system is beset by significant technological and economical challenges. For example, the grid system needs to be flexible because renewable energy sources are sporadic. The massive infrastructure investment required to incorporate renewable energy sources into the grid system might be beyond the nation's means. Implementing smart grid technologies may be expensive and requires hiring of specialists with the necessary skills, which may not exist in the nation (Nwosu and Iwu-James, 2019). As the country's population grows, more power is needed, the grid has also been severely plagued by system failure and frequent interruptions, necessitating interventions from foreign governments and technical partners over the years. As a result, the government has put forth a plan (vision 30:30:30) to increase generation capacity and expand the grid in order to accommodate and deliver dependable power. By 2030, the Nigerian government's 30:30:30 strategies are to generate 30GW of electricity, with 30% of that energy coming from renewable sources (Kabeyi and Olanrewaju, 2022). With the aid of smart grid technologies, it is essential to move towards a more sustainable energy mix by integrating renewable energy sources into the grid system. Solar, wind, and hydropower are examples of renewable energy sources that are clean, plentiful, and have the potential to lessen Nigeria's dependency on fossil fuels. Nigeria may reduce its carbon footprint and improve the stability and dependability of its electricity supply by incorporating these sources into the current infrastructure (Adeniyi, et al., 2019).
network and suggests a long-term fix: using smart grid technologies to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources. It seeks to improve commercial opportunities in the power industry, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, increase access to electricity, and integrate more renewable energy sources. The study makes use of the PRISMA paradigm in conjunction with a systematic literature review to guarantee data quality. It addresses issues including transmission networks, power limitations, Nigeria's existing electricity status, renewable energy integration, smart grid adoption, and state of play. The results advocate for enhanced forecasting, demand response initiatives, energy storage, and other long-term solutions through the integration of renewable energy sources. The paper suggests legislative actions to encourage the use of smart grid technologies in order to improve the electricity industry, create jobs, and maintain environmental sustainability. It provides a comprehensive examination of the limitations of the electrical system and suggests workable fixes. For efficient and sustainable energy generation, this research emphasises the significance of supporting smart grid technologies and environmentally friendly legislation. It is beneficial to academics, industry practitioners, policymakers, and the discourse surrounding renewable energy and sustainable development in Nigeria. Key Words: Smart grid technology, Renewable energy, Grid network, Sustainable energy, Non-renewable energy.
1. INTRODUCTION There are a number of problems with Nigeria's power grid system that impact the country's transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity. Among these problems are inadequate infrastructure, insufficient technical and financial losses, and restricted access to electricity in isolated places (Emeasoba, 2018). Due to these issues, Nigeria's economy and society have been significantly impacted by an inconsistent electricity supply. Nigeria's excessive reliance on non-renewable energy sources has had a negative impact on both the environment and the health of its citizens. Nigeria has substantial untapped renewable energy resources that might be used to diversify the country's energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, such as hydroelectricity, wind, and solar energy (Emeasoba, 2018).
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In order to boost automation and enable real-time monitoring, smart grid technology entails integrating cutting-edge digital communication and control technologies into the conventional electrical grid. This technology makes it possible to integrate renewable energy sources and optimize energy use, which improves energy reliability and efficiency (Nwanji, et al., 2020). The substantial difficulties the Nigeria’s power grid system faces and the possible advantages of switching to a
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