Exploring the role of green hydrogen for distributed energy access planning towards net‑zero emissions in Nigeria

Abstract

Providing sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity through low-carbon energy development in the Nigerian energy sector is fundamental to ensuring energy security. Currently, efforts to harness the potential of renewable energy, to provide universal electricity access for all have not translated into significant economic development in Nigeria. Investment in green hydrogen could strengthen Nigeria’s net-zero transition plan (NETP) and achieve sustainable energy access. The study explored the role of green hydrogen among five Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria—North West, North Central, and North East. A bottom-up optimization linear programming methodology based on an open energy modelling framework (OEMOF) was used as the modelling paradigm. Secondary data mined from the Nigeria Energy Commission, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NECAL 2050 report and international reports, and 2020 was used as a reference year to benchmark the model. The basic characteristics of the generation of electricity from green hydrogen, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and hydrogen storage, among other existing generation plants, were modelled till 2060 using modelled daily data obtained from Toktarova et al. (Electrical Power and Energy Systems 111:160–181, 2019). Outcomes from benchmarking led to two planning scenarios; these investigated possible insights that explored green hydrogen in Nigeria. Results showed that an integrated distributed approach would enhance harnessing green hydrogen in Nigeria, that is, electricity distribution among the DisCos. The study also revealed the following (1) the levelized cost of electricity could drop by about 8%, so also the cost of the investment; (2) access to electricity showed an improvement compared to the base year; and (3) emissions were cut in the power sector. To attain sustainable NETP with green hydrogen, the study recommends that a distributed generation approach among DisCos would support the national net-zero transition plan.