18-12, Nishiochiai 2-chome,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-8575, Japan
Phone: +81-3-5906-0211
FAX: +81-3-5906-0112

Energy

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE OF PROJECT

In the Federal Republic of Nigeria, approx. 60% local residents do not have access to electricity. In rural areas in particular, which accounts for approx. 70% of the total population, there have been delays to the development of fundamental infrastructure including electricity and approx. 90% of inhabitants in rural areas are living without electricity.
Under these circumstances, energy supply policy is currently under review by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria considering the use of renewable energy sources in remote rural areas that are likely to be left behind in the progress towards electrification over the mid- and long-term.. The Federal Ministry of Power and other institutions are considering introducing the use of solar energy (including the use of heat) in particular, and are conducting research and development, and promotional activities with regards to the use of solar energy.
In addition to this, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has been established to take charge of electrification project in rural areas based on the Electric Power Sector Reform Bill that had been formulated with the support by the World Bank. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was also established as a part of reformation of the electricity sector.
In consideration of the impact the use of solar energy would have on the environment, the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria requested Japan in February 2004 to conduct a study on the utilization of solar energy. Under these circumstances, this study will be conducted with the aim of proposing measures that promote the use of solar energy through the preparation of a master plan and various proposals, and to enhance the capacity of related institutions in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to help support the national effort towards the electrification of rural areas.

CHARACTERISTICS, CONCEPT, STANCE & SKILLS OF PROJECT

(1) Viewpoint of technology transfer:
The intention of this study is to not only draw up a report, but to also conduct Capacity Development (CD) in institutions that play an important role in the promotion of solar energy utilization through the development process laid out in the master plan. Therefore we organized a Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) and a Joint Work Group (JWG) for the period that investigations were carried out locally. Both of these groups managed to efficiently proceed in planning and monitoring the pilot project, operating the pre-feasibility study, implementing promotional activities, directing research and development besides carrying out other activities as a local partner for the transfer of technology as defined in this study.
(2) Feedback from planning and monitoring activities of the pilot project:
In this study, the pilot project was implemented using the Battery Charging Station (BCS), Solar Home System (SHS), public facilities and street lights as basic components in Jigawa, Ondo, and Imo states. When planning and implementing the project, we adopted a method promoting participation in the development to remove the local citizen's hesitation towards the project and public assemblies were held at state government sites and at project sites to help the local populace understand the technological limitations associated with renewable energy. After the PV system started operation, data records pertaining to operation and maintenance were made to evaluate the sustainability of local management and the results of the evaluation were reflected in the master plan as a reference for related projects in the future.

EFFECT OF PROJECT

Institutions that play an important role in the promotion of solar energy utilization will have their organizational capabilities enhanced and Nigeria will have the tools to utilize solar energy to conduct electrification in rural areas through the implementation of the master plan which includes the following items that have been defined in this project.
1. Study methodology for a sustainable solar energy utilization model
2. National PV electrification program covering the period until 2020 to be adopted by the REA
3. PV rural electrification program covering the period until 2020 to be adopted by state governments (5 program types: a common plan for all states, and a specific plan for Jigawa, Ondo, and Imo, and for the federal government (urban district (Abuja)) were submitted)
4. Action plan for technology research and development related to solar energy
5. Action plan for the promotion of solar energy utilization