Solar Energy as A Sustainable Alternative Towards Low Carbon Development InModibbo Adama University Yola

Abstract

The Stockholm Declaration of 1972 specifically focused on improving the humanenvironment for present and future generations leading to the movement of sustainabilityinhigher education. In recent times, Initiatives to encourage sustainability as a panaceaforclimate change are being developed through carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductionbyNational Governments and University authorities. Research globally led to innovationstopromote low-carbon development in universities with varying best practices. This studyaimsto assess carbon emissions from annual electric energy consumption to reducetheUniversity’s contribution to global warming. The paper presents a case study of energyconsumption at Modibbo Adama University (MAU) and analyzes the extent, sources, andquantities of emissions from electricity use towards reducing universities’ contributiontoglobal warming. Using annual data of electricity from metered sources to determinetheextent of carbon emission, the study showed an average annual electricity consumptionofabout 1703632 (kWh), estimated to be about 747894.45 kgCO2 (748MtCO2) of carbonemissions. By introducing solar energy sources through PV installations in selectedservicesectors, a study reveals a 71% reduction in carbon emissions in the Academic Areas. Incomparison, the replacement of electricity with solar energy in Students’ Hostels andCommercial Centers shows a 15% and 9% reduction in carbon emission respectivelyandabout 5% carbon emission reduction in the Staff Quarters. Finally, integrating fossil-fuel-powered energy sources with renewable/solar energy and promoting training, intensifyingresearch development in solar energy technology as well as granting sufficient financial incentives to encourage local producers of solar energy systems would stimulate low-carbondevelopment in the university.