Access to reliable water remains a major challenge in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in communities where electricity infrastructure is limited or expensive. Water pumping systems often depend on conventional energy sources, increasing operating costs and environmental concerns. As countries seek cleaner and more affordable alternatives, identifying the most suitable renewable energy technology has become increasingly important.
A new study published in Energy & Environment Nexus provides fresh evidence that solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is the most cost-effective renewable energy option for water pumping across six representative locations in Nigeria. The research also offers a detailed assessment of wind conditions across 37 locations, helping guide future renewable energy investments.
"Reliable access to water is essential for public health, agriculture, and sustainable development. Our findings highlight the importance of selecting renewable energy technologies based on local environmental conditions and economic performance rather than assuming that one solution works everywhere," said Richard Oladayo Olarewaju, corresponding author of the study.
To investigate the potential of renewable-powered water pumping, researchers compared 10 solar photovoltaic modules, nine wind turbines, and biomass-based electricity generation systems. The analysis covered six locations representing Nigeria's major geopolitical regions: Ibadan, Abakaliki, Benin, Abuja, Bauchi, and Dutse.
Using 11 years of solar radiation and wind speed data from 2014 to 2024, the team evaluated energy production efficiency and electricity generation costs through mathematical modeling and simulation.
The results revealed substantial differences between renewable energy technologies. Solar electricity costs ranged from $0.21 to $0.40 per kilowatt-hour, compared with $0.42 to $1.11 for biomass and $1.84 to $8.58 for wind energy. Solar power consistently achieved the lowest estimated electricity generation cost across all six locations.
Among the solar technologies examined, a Panasonic photovoltaic module delivered the highest capacity factor at every study site, reaching 19.09% in Dutse. For wind energy, the DW 54 EWT turbine demonstrated the strongest overall performance among the evaluated models. However, even the better-performing wind turbines could not match solar energy's economic competitiveness for the water pumping applications considered.
Beyond comparing energy costs, the researchers examined wind shear, which describes how wind speed changes with height above the ground. Analyzing 37 Nigerian locations, they identified wind shear exponent values ranging from 0.10 in Calabar to 0.48 in Asaba.
These findings could help engineers estimate wind speeds at different turbine heights, improving equipment selection and project planning.
The study also revealed important seasonal patterns. Solar radiation and wind speeds were generally lower during Nigeria's rainy season and higher during the dry season, emphasizing the importance of accounting for seasonal variations when designing renewable energy systems.
"Our results provide a practical foundation for policymakers, engineers, and energy investors to make more informed decisions about renewable-powered water infrastructure," Olarewaju added. "By prioritizing technologies that combine technical reliability with economic feasibility, communities can move toward more sustainable and affordable water supply systems."
The findings suggest that solar photovoltaic systems deserve priority consideration for renewable-powered water pumping in the locations studied, while biomass and wind technologies may remain relevant under different local conditions.
By connecting renewable energy performance with water infrastructure needs, the research offers a useful framework for expanding sustainable water access, reducing dependence on conventional fuels, and supporting cleaner energy development in Nigeria and other regions facing similar challenges.
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Journal reference: Olarewaju RO, Ogunjuyigbe ASO, Ayodele TR, Ayanlade SO, Okakwu IK, et al. 2026. Investigation of solar-wind-biomass for water pumping application and wind shear determination across different locations in Nigeria. Energy & Environment Nexus 2: e025 doi: 10.48130/een-0026-0019
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/een-0026-0019
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About Energy & Environment Nexus :
Energy & Environment Nexus (e-ISSN 3070-0582) is an open-access journal publishing high-quality research on the interplay between energy systems and environmental sustainability, including renewable energy, carbon mitigation, and green technologies.
