FG Targets 2060 for Solar-Powered Electricity, Green Hydrogen
The Federal Government has set 2060 as its target for developing a power system largely powered by solar energy and storage, with green hydrogen expected to provide backup electricity and reduce carbon emissions from heavy industries.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this at the second International Green Hydrogen Summit held at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday.
Represented by Bolaji Sulu-Ibrahim, Abdullahi said Nigeria needed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies, scientific research and local manufacturing to achieve the target.
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Pathway to Clean Energy: The Science, Policy and Industry Nexus,” he said the country had substantial renewable energy resources but needed stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry to harness them.
He noted that solar radiation in parts of the North-West, particularly Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, ranged between 6.0 and 7.0 kilowatt-hours per square metre daily, offering significant opportunities for solar power generation.
According to him, Nigeria also has considerable hydropower resources, wind potential in parts of the North and abundant biomass. However, its installed renewable energy capacity stood at approximately 2,638 megawatts in 2024.
Abdullahi said the disparity between the country’s renewable energy potential and its installed capacity highlighted the need for greater investment in research, technology development and infrastructure.
He disclosed that the commission was implementing a solarisation programme targeting public facilities, particularly those in the health and education sectors. He added that its six energy research centres across the geopolitical zones were expected to strengthen research and innovation.
The commission’s director-general identified dependence on imported solar modules, inverters and batteries, inadequate grid infrastructure, shortages of skilled personnel, substandard equipment and limited access to finance as major challenges facing the sector.
He called for local manufacturing, improved grid integration, stronger quality standards and innovative financing models, stressing that developing the sector required more than laboratory inventions.
On green hydrogen, Abdullahi said electricity accounted for between 60 and 80 per cent of production costs, making affordable renewable energy essential to the technology’s commercial viability.
He added that approximately 1,583 megawatts of underutilised hydropower capacity could complement variable solar generation and support green hydrogen production.
Abdullahi also called for the expedited approval of the draft National Hydrogen Policy, the establishment of a National Hydrogen Council and the development of a national framework for hydrogen research, education and capacity building.
He urged universities and research institutions to collaborate with the commission on research and pilot projects, while encouraging industries to invest in technologies capable of reducing emissions from fertiliser production, refining, cement and steel manufacturing.
The Chief Executive Officer of CrossAfrique Hydrogen Limited, Netherlands, Joshua Dauda, said collaboration among universities, industries and international partners was essential to advancing Nigeria’s clean energy sector.
Dauda disclosed that his company was working with industrial partners and the German development agency, GIZ, to establish a Green Energy Hub at ABUAD.
He said the project would begin with a solar photovoltaic system to power the university and a hydrogen classroom for research and demonstration.
Describing the proposed initiative as potentially the first of its kind in Nigeria, Dauda said it would provide training opportunities for researchers, lecturers and other professionals in hydrogen technology.
He explained that the project would adapt knowledge and expertise gained through international collaboration to Nigeria’s energy needs.
According to him, the initiative would also promote curriculum development and knowledge-sharing, enabling other universities and institutions to replicate the model.
Dauda added that a subsequent phase could explore green ammonia production for fertiliser, potentially extending the project’s benefits to agriculture and industrial development.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, called for stronger partnerships among government, academia and industry to translate scientific research into practical clean energy solutions.
Olarinde said Nigeria’s energy transition required sustained investment in research, effective policies, industrial innovation and the development of skilled workers.
She urged participants to ensure that the summit produced practical solutions and lasting partnerships capable of advancing the country’s clean energy ambitions.
