Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 142

Abstract: Africa's energy dynamics are marked by a blend of rapid urbanization, burgeoning populations, and growing industrialization, all against the backdrop of limited and often unreliable conventional energy infrastructure. This complex scenario prompts an exploration of the viability of hydrogen as a transformative energy solution. The continent's diverse renewable resources, from abundant solar and wind potential to hydropower capabilities, provide fertile ground for hydrogen production. However, Africa's energy transition journey is further complicated by the challenge of retrofitting or establishing sustainable energy systems in regions heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The tension between these established energy supply backbones and the imperatives of reducing carbon emissions necessitates innovative solutions. Hydrogen, with its potential for clean energy storage, emissions-free power generation, and industrial applications, offers a promising bridge between the need for modern energy access and environmental stewardship Drawing from case studies, the study delves the technological feasibility of harnessing hydrogen, considering existing energy infrastructure and emerging renewable technologies, the infrastructural challenges and opportunities presented by establishing hydrogen supply chains across diverse African regions. In conclusion, this paper underscores the significance of hydrogen as a pivotal pillar of Africa's sustainable energy future. This study aims to support policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in navigating the path towards a hydrogen-powered Africa.

Abstract: The production of the most abundant chemical element in the atmosphere, hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen (i.e. hydrogen in its cleanest and most sustainable form), is quickly becoming a priority for nations worldwide. This interest is mainly attributed to, among other factors, its potential to serve as a cornerstone of the global energy transition to low-carbon economies. Green hydrogen possesses the potential to decarbonize the so-called “hard-to-abate,” sectors i.e., energy-intensive sectors, such as heavy industries, iron and steel production, and transportation - including aviation and shipping, among other economic sectors.The growing focus on the adoption of green hydrogen as a viable decarbonization pathway must be viewed against the backdrop of global commitments and international imperatives to address the adverse effects of climate change. Such commitments emanate from instruments such as the Paris Agreement of 2015 and obligations towards meeting the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further, the “Just Energy Transition" journey towards decarbonization must also be contextualized within different jurisdictions, in line with their situations and context-specific goals, geographic locations, and policy frameworks.Much like other nations worldwide, the South African regulatory framework for hydrogen is still emerging, as it is presently dominated by soft law instruments such as roadmaps, strategies and guiding documents, as opposed to binding and enforceable hard law instruments. For example, the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap of 2022, the Integrated Resource Plan, the Integrated Energy Plan, and the Renewable Energy Policy, among other significant policy documents, highlight the fundamental role that green hydrogen would play in South Africa’s energy transition. Whilst other legal and policy documents may apply to the hydrogen value chain, such as the various safety requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1996, there is a lacuna of hydrogen-specific hard law regulation, including, importantly, regulations regarding certification (which will need to be aligned internationally).In light of the above, this paper discusses the potential of green hydrogen in the context of South Africa and explores the current position in the country. It further canvasses emerging developments within the hydrogen space. This analysis aims to identify gaps or lacunas in the law, risks, and challenges for South Africa’s hydrogen economy. The article proceeds to provide recommendations for a policy and regulatory regime for hydrogen in Southern Africa. It draws on examples from countries and regions such as the European Union (EU), which are further along in terms of regulating hydrogen, but contextualizing this discussion within the African, and specifically Southern African context. This budding industry provides an opportunity to learn from past energy mistakes and create an appropriate regulatory and policy framework that works and benefits Africa.

Abstract: Energy system plays an important role in the transition towards a sustainable urban life. Enhancing the quality of a livable environment through drastic reduction of pollutant emissions from fossil-fuelled generators can be achieved via the utilization of renewable energy sources. Hybrid renewable energy technologies can reliably meet the energy demands of base transceiver stations (BTS) located in off-grid rural villages. This paper aims to optimize and assess the performance of a hybrid energy system to meet the electrical load requirements of a BTS located in in Calabar, Nigeria using an off-grid hybrid system. Optimizing the control, sizing, and components of such a system aims to provide cost-effective power to these communities. The key objectives are minimizing cost of energy, total net present cost, CO2 emissions and unmet load using HOMER software. The results from the four different energy configurations were evaluated to determine the most optimized combination for the region. From the results obtained, there was a considerable variation in the optimum system configuration based on the different potential renewable energy resources. The result shows that the PV/wind/hydro/battery had a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) as $2.40; PV/hydro/battery had $2.05; PV/wind/battery had $1.64; hydro/battery had $2.05; PV/battery had $1.38 & wind/battery had $5.44. However, due to the low wind and solar penetration in Ogoja, Nigeria, more storage systems were required for configurations without hydro component and large-scale hybrid energy systems with higher LCOE. The configuration system that showed moderate hybrid system sizes with LCOE of $1.38 was the PV/battery system with 0% energy unmet.

Abstract: Small hydropower technology has gained traction in the Nigerian energy and power ecosystem owing to incentives and reforms aimed at increasing Nigeria’s energy mix for sustainable development. Utilizing these opportunities through harnessing SHP potentials has not made it to the front burner during policy formulations and implementations in South-Eastern Nigeria despite the availability of water bodies and waterlines in the region. This paper focuses on the potentials of small hydropower in Abia state and utilized ArcGIS software to conduct spatial analysis using map data overlayed by shapefiles of water bodies, waterlines, road networks and Land use, Land Cover data (LULC). Multiple ring buffers were created for various proximities around the waterbodies and waterlines and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index calculations were done to determine suitability areas for small hydropower schemes after reclassification of the data. The analysis revealed suitability areas in Osisioma Ngwa and Obingwa Local Government areas with suitable elevations and hydraulics data for run off the river schemes and siting of hydropower plants within a multiple ring buffer distance between 200m to 5km from the waterlines and roads, having a weighted score between 33-66 with NDVI range of -0.018 –0.015 indicating the presence of water bodies and built-up areas around the water bodies with NDVI range of 0.015 – 0.14 and a weighted score within the range of 11-16 This revelation also encourages the hybridization of renewable energy technology using pumped hydro storage to improve the reliability and affordability of mini-grid solutions in Abia State and Nigeria at large.

Abstract: This article presents a benchmarking exercise to comparatively analyse the nascent mini-grids regulations of Kenya (The Energy (Mini-Grid) Regulations, March 2022), Lesotho (Mini-grid Power Generation, Distribution and Supply Regulations, January 2021) and Mozambique (Regulations on Access to Energy in Off-Grid Areas, December 2021) using a simplified empirical assessment of attributes and elements of regulatory substance to determine their relative potential effectiveness to fulfil their intended objectives. The results indicate that the overall effectiveness and fulfilment rates of the newly developed mini-grids regulations towards attracting and retaining private sector investments and facilitating universal access, have been determined to be 84% for Kenya, 72% for Lesotho and 80% for Mozambique. Nevertheless, the growth of mini-grids will likely remain limited because encroachment by the main grid remains a serious risk to private mini-grid investors in terms of uncertain security of tenure and possibility of stranded assets. The benchmarked regulations appear to offer some promise to mini-grid investors through co-existence, interconnection or asset transfer, but they simply do not provide any solid and assuring process on how to arrive at a fair compensation or purchase price for the mini-grids business in the case of forced exit, except for Kenya which proposes the depreciated value of the mini-grid assets.

Abstract: The African continent is at the forefront of a transformative energy transition, driven by the urgent need for sustainable and accessible electricity solutions. The role of mini-grids emerges as a transformative solution to power rural and underserved communities. This paper delves into the role of mini-grids in catalyzing Africa's sustainable energy transition. Drawing on extensive research and case studies, this study explores Mini-grids, localized and decentralized electricity systems with immense promise for enhancing energy access, promoting renewable energy adoption, and fostering economic development across diverse African communities and the current landscape of mini-grids deployment in Africa. In this context, the paper highlights the critical importance of mini-grids in extending electricity services to remote and underserved regions, thereby empowering marginalized populations and advancing social equity. By integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into mini-grid architectures, African countries can significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to global climate goals. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the socio-economic impact of mini-grids by increasing the potential for job creation, local entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. It underscores how mini-grids serve as engines of economic growth, enabling productive activities and fostering community resilience. As Africa seeks to unlock its clean energy potential, this paper underscores the significance of mini-grids in building resilient and decentralized energy systems. It explores how mini-grids complement existing energy infrastructure, enhancing grid resilience and strengthening energy security in the face of climate change and other external disruptions. This study aims to inspire robust discussions and informed actions that accelerate the integration of mini-grids into Africa's evolving energy landscape.

Abstract: This paper is aimed at minimizing the energy gaps concerning “energy poverty” and “energy mix”, with a specific focus on the Nigerian-centric context. Most existing research entailing “energy poverty” are localized according to regions. Nigeria lacks its own definition of energy poverty. The paper’s novelty is thus the attempt to define energy poverty from a Nigerian perspective, following a review of existing definitions. Such a paper would enable more effective energy policies, as a problem definition would be clearer and more streamlined. Beyond the definition is an obvious fact that “energy poverty” is a problem, and the paper therefore proposes the “energy mix” as a solution. The proposed energy is to contain different kinds of energy resources, with the advantages of each maximized and their disadvantages minimized. This articulate paper discusses such technologies (fossil fuels, nuclear and renewables) highlighting the benefits and disadvantages; herein lies the opportunity for Nigeria and alike. A Nigeria where more people are enlightened about “energy poverty” would invariably translate into a better fight against energy poverty.

Abstract: Nigeria has a significant number of people in Africa without access to electricity. Achieving universal electricity access in Nigeria will have a significant impact on a large number of people’s lives. Currently, Nigeria’s main barriers to universal energy access is rural electrification and unreliable electricity from the grid. Both have significantly influenced the productivity of Nigeria’s economy, which points to the potentially significant economic growth impact that reliable and universal electricity access will have in Nigeria. Access to clean cooking is another challenge faced in Nigeria. More than 80% of households do not have access to clean energy for cooking. In addition to limited access to electricity, other socio-economic factors such as increasing poverty rate, inflation and the poor distribution network for LPG have contributed to the low access to clean energy for cooking. In order to come up with recommendations to increase electricity access in Nigeria, a feasibility study was evaluated using Ikate, Lagos State, Nigeria as the target location. This pilot project demonstrated that electrification via solar home systems and mini-grids is a good starting point for increasing energy access for rural and urban areas in Nigeria. The proposed solution is to use Off-Grid and Mini-Grid Renewable Energy to tackle the problem of access to electricity. The results showed that with a combination of a Solar PV and Generator, only the case of 100kWh/person/year would be affordable by the residents of the community, but will still require some significant capital outlay. A net metering policy that will clarify how customers who generate electricity from renewable energy can manage the excess energy they generate, thus encouraging private participation in renewable energy generation. In addition, we address pathways to improve access to clean cooking across households in Nigeria. Combined with pathways for improving access to electricity forms a basis for a roadmap to ensuring universal energy access in Nigeria.

Abstract: This research work investigated Electricity Pricing in Relation to Households in Lagos State, Nigeria. The population covered household in three specific locations which include Ayobo, Iyana-Ipaja and Ikeja in Lagos State of Nigeria. A sample size of 383 was determined using Cochran Formula. Statistical methods used were percentage and frequency tables for the study. The results of the analysis revealed that majority of the respondents are less familiar with cost/pricing method of electricity in Nigeria. The study also revealed that there is negative welfare effect of the recent pricing adjustment on households in the selected study areas. The study recommended that awareness campaign should be organized by the Electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders with the use of jingles, radio presentation or text messages to all household in their areas of operation to educate them on the pricing methods of electricity.