A Review of the Legal Framework on Renewable Energy Development in Nigeria's Electricity Mix

Abstract

Electric energy is critical to industrialization of a nation. One of the current trends in the energy sector in many countries is the effort to integrate Renewable Energy into the electricity mix. This trend is necessitated by the need for energy security, development and concerns about climate change. Nigeria is rich in Renewable Energy resources such as wind, solar, biomass and hydro which can be tapped to meet its energy needs. However, the country barely focused on actively utilizing Renewable Energy sources in the electric power sector. The paper reviews the extant legal framework on Renewable Energy development in Nigeria's electricity mix, which includes, amongst others, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, the Energy Commission of Nigeria Act and policies aimed at Renewable Energy Development in the electric power sector. The paper adopts the doctrinal method and relies on primary and secondary sources. The paper finds that the existing legal framework for the integration of Renewable Energy resources in Nigeria's electricity mix is inadequate. Accordingly, the paper identifies strategies for improving the situation
using the context of cross-country experiences. The paper recommends, amongst others, the need to enact a Renewable Energy Act solely for the promotion and development of Renewable Energy as an important energy source in the electric power sector. The paper also advocates the development of mini-grids, controlled and licensed by state governments, to create greater access to electricity in the rural areas, most of which have poor access to the national grid system.