The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a target of achieving 10,000 megawatts (MW) of hydropower capacity. This ambitious goal is part of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project for Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed these plans during the African High-Level Roundtable on Sustainable Hydropower in the African Renewable Energy Mix of the 21st Century, held in Abuja.
The Sustainable Power and Irrigation Project (SPIN) aims to harness the potential of existing storage facilities for irrigation and hydropower generation. Adelabu outlined that this initiative seeks to unlock an additional 10GW combined capacity from existing dams, partially incomplete dams with provisions for hydropower, and greenfield projects.
While emphasizing the importance of responsible development, Adelabu highlighted the need to address environmental concerns and social impacts associated with dam construction. He stressed the commitment to sustainability and stakeholder engagement in realizing these large-scale projects.
Nigeria boasts significant water resources across its various basins, providing ample opportunities for hydropower development. Despite having an estimated hydropower capacity of 14 GW, only around 15 percent of this potential has been harnessed, indicating substantial untapped opportunities in the sector.
Adelabu underscored the importance of meeting Nigeria’s energy goals, including universal energy access by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He expressed enthusiasm for the African High-Level Roundtable on Sustainable Hydropower, highlighting its role in fostering renewable energy development and climate resilience across the continent.
With millions of Africans lacking access to electricity, the development of sustainable hydropower stands as a crucial pillar in closing the energy access gap while addressing the challenges of climate change. Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its hydropower capacity reflects its dedication to achieving a clean, reliable, and abundant source of energy for its citizens.
