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Agrivoltaic in Nigeria
Agrivoltaics in Nigeria
Agrivoltaics—the integration of agriculture and solar energy production, offers Nigeria a pathway to expand clean energy access while supporting food security. This article explores the opportunities and challenges of implementing agrivoltaic systems in the country, drawing on research by Clean Technology Hub.
Introduction
Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining agriculture and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the same land, is gaining attention as a way to balance clean energy generation with food production. In Nigeria, where energy access and food security remain pressing issues, agrivoltaic systems present a unique opportunity to address both challenges simultaneously.
Opportunities in Nigeria
Nigeria faces growing electricity demand, with millions of people still lacking reliable access to power. At the same time, agriculture employs a significant portion of the population and is vital for food security. Agrivoltaic systems can:
- Generate renewable electricity while maintaining agricultural output.
- Provide shade that reduces heat stress on crops and livestock.
- Improve land-use efficiency by maximizing the productivity of available land.
These benefits make agrivoltaics especially relevant for Nigeria’s rural communities, where both energy and food are in high demand.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the potential, there are challenges to adopting agrivoltaics in Nigeria:
- *High upfront costs* of solar PV technology.
- *Limited awareness and technical expertise* among farmers and developers.
- *Policy and regulatory gaps* that may delay project implementation.
- *Land tenure issues*, which can complicate land-use agreements.
Addressing these barriers will require collaboration between government, private sector, and research institutions.
Conclusion
Agrivoltaic systems could provide Nigeria with a pathway to expand renewable energy while safeguarding food production. By integrating solar panels with agricultural activities, Nigeria can work towards its clean energy targets without sacrificing its agricultural base.
See Also
References
- Clean Technology Hub (2024). Can Agrivoltaic Systems Provide Clean Energy without Reducing Food Security in Nigeria? Medium.
This article was adapted from research by Clean Technology Hub and is published on Energypedia with permission.
