Focusing More on Renewable Energy

As Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent energy challenges, particularly in electricity supply, the success stories emerging from Finland’s clean energy ecosystem present valuable lessons for Nigerian authorities. Kunle Aderinokun, who visited Finland recently, reports on practical models that could help reshape Nigeria’s energy narrative.

In Nigeria, aside from politics, electricity remains the most discussed national concern. The problems plaguing the power sector are longstanding, and despite numerous interventions, progress remains sluggish. This leads to a fundamental question: Why can’t Nigeria get power right?

Beyond a lack of political will, the inability to harness and optimize the country’s abundant natural resources is a major obstacle. Nigeria is richly endowed, with vast reserves of natural gas, year-round sunlight, heavy rainfall, and significant wind and waste potential. Yet, for a population of over 180 million, the country generates only about 7,000 megawatts of electricity and transmits a peak of just 5,222 MW: grossly insufficient for its needs.

Despite having several power plants, including independent power producers (IPPs), Nigeria relies largely on two sources: hydro and thermal (fossil fuel). But these are no longer enough. It is increasingly urgent for Nigeria to tap into its immense renewable energy potential: solar, wind, biomass, and waste-to-energy. With the right political will and investment in proven technologies, many experts believe Nigeria can become self-sufficient in power and even emerge as a leader in sustainable energy development.

Nordic Inspiration: A Finnish Case Study

Finland, a Nordic country, provides a compelling example. During the recent Energy Week held in Vaasa, Finland’s energy hub, renewable energy leaders, clean tech innovators, and financial institutions from around the world converged to exchange ideas and showcase innovations.

Vaasa, with a population of about 115,000, has become the clean energy capital of the Nordics. According to Tomas Häyry, the Mayor of Vaasa, the region is home to 140 companies whose technologies are deployed globally. Remarkably, 90per cent of Finland’s electricity and automation R&D takes place in Vaasa. The city has integrated sustainable transportation, including biogas buses powered by bio-waste and treated wastewater.

Finland’s success stems from intentional policy. The government designated clean technology (cleantech) as one of its national priorities and invested heavily in research and innovation. As a result, Finland is now ranked as the world’s most environmentally responsible country and second in the Global Cleantech Innovation Index. Hundreds of cleantech companies in Finland generate over €25.8 billion in annual revenue.

Waste to Wealth: The Westenergy Model

A visit to Westenergy Oy Ab, a modern waste-to-energy facility in Mustasaari (a municipality in the Vaasa region), reveals how the country turns environmental challenges into opportunities. Owned by five municipal waste companies Owned by five municipal waste management companies (Oy Botniarosk Ab, Lakeuden Etappi Oy, Millesapakka Oy, Ab Stormossen Oy, and Vestia Oy), Westenergy collects and processes waste from approximately 400,000 residents across 50 municipalities. Westenergy, which is one of the eight waste-to-energy plants in Finland, handles 185,000 tonnes of waste annually, converting it into both electricity and district heating.

According to Sanna Hautamaa, Westenergy’s Communications Officer, the plant operates 24/7 year-round, producing 80 GWh of electricity, enough to power 7,000 households, and 280 GWh of heating for 17,000 estates.

A Path Forward for Nigeria

In comparison, Nigeria’s major cities generate thousands of tonnes of waste daily: waste that could be transformed into megawatts of clean energy. Harnessing this potential could significantly reduce the cost of doing business, stimulate economic activity, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Experts also argue that, in the long run, renewable energy offers more job creation potential than the oil and gas sector.

Janne Peljo, Project Director, Climate Solutions at The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, told THISDAY during a visit to Helsinki, “Over the coming decades, renewable energy sources are going to create more local jobs, which means more employment for Nigerians compared to investment solely in oil and gas.”

He emphasized the importance of following global trends: “Nigeria should monitor the global shift from fossil fuels to renewables. Solar and wind, both onshore and offshore, offer immense potential. Nigeria is well-positioned to take advantage of these resources.”

Peljo also highlighted Finland’s expertise in waste-to-energy and suggested a partnership with Nigeria to solve logistic and environmental challenges while enhancing energy security. “Collaboration between our countries could be mutually beneficial,” he added.

Looking Ahead

The future of Nigeria’s power sector lies in embracing renewable energy. The country already possesses the raw materials: sun, wind, gas, and waste. What remains is the leadership, investment, and vision to unlock these resources for national development.

Finland’s example demonstrates what is possible with strategic focus and innovation. For Nigeria, the time to act is now.