Water and energy resources: Development for renewable energy in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is well endowed with abundant natural water, renewable and non-renewable energy resources to harness with view to diversify its energy supply and meet the demand of its growing population. There has been a supply-demand gap, as a result of inadequate development and inefficient management of the energy sector. The availability and consumption of energy in the life of a country are an index of prosperity. However, Nigeria with the high potentials and strong resource base for both renewable and non-renewable energy reserve is lagged behind in meeting its national requirement for usable energy needs. This paper examined the potentialities of energy resources that with appropriate plans, Nigeria could harness its waters and energy resources for economic development and achieve food security goal effectively. If these energy resources are sustainably managed to improve the energy balance of electric energy power scarcity experienced in the country. Nigeria could achieve rapid development in many sectors. This paper examined the various forms of energy sources and how they can be utilized for national development. It is recommended that legislations and laws should be put in place to the guide the establishment of the of the renewable energy industry in order to protect the interest of the environment, existing communities and the investors alike.