Why Nigeria should prioritise development of renewable energy, by Arowolo

Gift Arowolo is a manufacturing and renewable energy engineer who focuses on delivering clean, reliable power to areas that historically lack steady electricity. In this interview with NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE, Arowolo spoke on the opportunities and challenges facing the renewable energy sector in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Can you describe the renewable energy machinery you work with and how they function?

My renewable energy journey began with hydropower, where I designed a Pelton turbine blade prototype. The Pelton turbine works by using high-velocity water jets to strike spoon-shaped buckets on a wheel, converting kinetic energy into rotational mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity via a generator. I later explored more efficient turbine designs that required lower head heights but higher water flow rates, modifying the design to maintain steady flow while generating power.

Due to policy and implementation barriers in hydropower, I turned my focus to solar energy, which uses photovoltaic (PV) cells to directly convert sunlight into electrical energy. Solar energy is easier to deploy, requires less infrastructure, and faces fewer policy restrictions in Nigeria, making it more practical for rural and urban applications.

What are the biggest challenges you encounter in implementing your projects in Nigeria and how do you address them?

The primary challenges include; policy and regulatory hurdles especially for hydropower projects, where permits and environmental impact approvals can be slow and costly.

Another challenge is funding limitations for both research and large-scale deployment. Technical capacity gaps in some communities for installation and maintenance.

To address these challenges, l choose technologies like solar with fewer regulatory restrictions.

I Design scalable, modular systems that reduce initial capital requirements.

Providing community training on system use and maintenance to ensure sustainability is another method l applied to address these challenges.

Can you explain how your effort contributes to sustainable development and ecological preservation in Nigeria?

My work focuses on delivering clean, reliable power to areas that historically lack steady electricity. By replacing diesel generators with solar energy, I reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and lower noise pollution.

Renewable projects also improve local economies by enabling small businesses to operate longer hours, supporting education through lighting for schools, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including affordable clean energy, climate action, and economic growth.

Having been in the sector, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing renewable energy sector in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s renewable energy sector faces a mix of significant opportunities and persistent challenges. Major opportunities include the potential for widespread solar energy use, particularly in rural areas, and the possibility of developing a biofuel industry using domestic agricultural resources.

However, challenges include; a lack of consistence policy and regulation, insufficient financial investment, inadequate infrastructure and limited public awareness.

In what ways do you think the government will support the sector?

The government can support this by implementing stable, clear policies that encourage private investment.

Another way in which the government can support the sector is by offering tax incentives or subsidies for renewable energy projects.

The government can also support research and development in local renewable technologies. Investing in rural electrification programmes powered by renewable sources is another way the government can assist the sector.

Facilitating partnerships between local innovators and international investors can also go a long way in supporting the development of renewable energy in the country.

What is the role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change?

Renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. By replacing diesel generators and coal plants with solar, wind, and small hydropower, we cut carbon emissions, slow global warming, and improve air quality. In Nigeria’s context, renewable energy also promotes climate resilience by decentralising power generation, making communities less vulnerable to climate-related disruptions in the national grid.

What informed your interest in renewable energy?

Growing up in Nigeria without steady electricity deeply shaped my interest in renewable energy. During my secondary school years, I was introduced to Mechanical Engineering through my brother, who also exposed me to the different forms of renewable energy.

My first project involved designing a Pelton turbine blade and building a prototype. Unfortunately, I could not complete it due to funding limitations and the required installation height.

Later, while studying at Yaba College of Technology, I learned about more efficient turbine blade designs that required less height but a higher water flow rate. I worked on modifying the design to maintain a steady flow while generating power. However, restrictive policies discouraged further development in hydropower, which led me to focus on solar energy—a technology with fewer policy barriers and significant potential for widespread adoption in Nigeria.

What advice would you give to young Nigerians who want to pursue a career in renewable energy?

I will advise them to pursue a profession in renewable energy to focus on developing specialised skills in areas like solar, wind or biomass energy, gain practical experience through internship or volunteering, and build strong networks within the industry.

It is also important that they stay updated on the latest technological advancements and policy changes in the renewable energy sector.

They should also build networks. Such networks can be built by attending events such as conferences and workshops that offer opportunities to connect professionals and learn about the latest trends.

How do you see the future of renewable energy in Nigeria?

l would say that it looks encouraging, with substantial prospective to address the country’s energy challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Nigeria has a large renewable energy prospective, particularly in solar, hydro and wind resources, which can help bridge the energy gap and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Policies and investment are driven this transition with targets to increase renewable electricity generation and expand access to clean energy sources.