Potential of renewable energy utilization in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2013
Okey, Edward N.
Akwa Ibom State is highly endowed with enormous resources both renewable and non-renewable. It is the highest ranking oil producing state in the oil-rich South-South region of Nigeria. With an extensive coast line along the Atlantic Ocean and being close to the equator, this state is well positioned for viable solar and wind electricity generation. Despite these resources, Akwa Ibom State like the other states in Nigeria has depended mainly on fossil fuel for their electricity generation. The use of fossil fuel has resulted in serious environmental damage. In addition, the state has suffered from epileptic light supply that had paralysed her economic development. This paper reports on the potential of renewable energy utilization as a means of revitalizing its industrial development. Data was obtained from The Ministry of Power, Science and technology, Petroleum and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission as well as Meteorological stations. Results indicate that given the level of insolation and high coastal winds, Akwa Ibom state can generate sufficient electricity for both domestic and industrial use. Results also show that the state does not have large rivers and/or falls for any meaningful hydroelectricity projects. It is therefore, concluded that Akwa Ibom State has great potentials in solar and wind energy and will be economical to develop these resources for electricity generation.
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