Solar Power Proves Most Cost-Effective for Water Pumping in Nigeria
Solar photovoltaic technology has emerged as the most cost-effective renewable energy option for powering water pumping systems across six representative locations in Nigeria, according to a modeling and simulation study published in Energy & Environment Nexus. The investigation, led by corresponding author Richard Oladayo Olarewaju, evaluated the economic and technical performance of solar, wind, and biomass energy systems to address persistent water access challenges in communities where electricity infrastructure is limited or expensive.
Access to reliable water remains a major challenge across many parts of Nigeria, where water pumping systems frequently depend on conventional energy sources that increase operating costs and environmental concerns. As countries seek cleaner and more affordable alternatives, identifying the most suitable renewable energy technology has become increasingly important. Olarewaju noted that reliable access to water is essential for public health, agriculture, and sustainable development, emphasizing that renewable energy technologies should be selected based on local environmental conditions and economic performance rather than assuming that one solution works everywhere.
To investigate the potential of renewable-powered water pumping, the research team analyzed and compared ten 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. The researchers evaluated energy production efficiency and electricity generation costs through mathematical modeling and simulation using 11 years of solar radiation and wind speed data recorded from 2014 to 2024.
The study revealed substantial cost differences among the evaluated technologies, with solar power consistently achieving the lowest estimated electricity generation cost across all six study sites. Solar electricity costs ranged from $0.21 to $0.40 per kilowatt-hour, compared with $0.42 to $1.11 per kilowatt-hour for biomass systems. Wind energy was substantially more expensive, with estimated generation costs ranging from $1.84 to $8.58 per kilowatt-hour, showing that wind power could not match solar energy’s economic competitiveness for the water pumping applications considered.
The researchers also evaluated specific equipment performance across the test locations. Among the solar technologies examined, a Panasonic photovoltaic module delivered the highest capacity factor at every study site, reaching a peak of 19.09% in Dutse. For wind energy, the DW 54 EWT turbine demonstrated the strongest overall performance among the evaluated turbine models, though even its higher output remained economically uncompetitive compared to the solar photovoltaic options.
Beyond energy cost comparisons, the researchers examined wind shear, which describes how wind speed changes with height above the ground. By analyzing 37 locations across Nigeria, the team identified wind shear exponent values ranging from 0.10 in Calabar to 0.48 in Asaba. The authors noted that these findings could assist engineers in estimating wind speeds at different turbine heights, thereby improving equipment selection and project planning for future wind installations.
The 11-year dataset also demonstrated significant seasonal patterns across the country. Solar radiation levels and wind speeds were generally lower during Nigeria’s rainy season and higher during the dry season, emphasizing the necessity of accounting for seasonal variations when designing renewable energy infrastructure.
The study’s 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. Olarewaju stated that the results provide a practical foundation for policymakers, engineers, and energy investors to make informed decisions about renewable water infrastructure, moving communities toward more sustainable and affordable water supply systems while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
The broader significance of the investigation lies in establishing a structured framework that connects renewable energy performance directly to water infrastructure demands.
The study further emphasizes that renewable energy implementation cannot rely on uniform assumptions across diverse territories. Conducted by Olarewaju alongside co-investigators Ayodeji Samson Olatunji Ogunjuyigbe, Temitope Raphael Ayodele, Samson Oladayo Ayanlade, Ignatius Kema Okakwu, and Olusola Kunle Akinde, the research demonstrates why technology selection must be anchored to local environmental conditions and verified economic performance.
Published in Energy & Environment Nexus, an open-access journal focused on the relationships between energy systems and environmental sustainability, including renewable energy and carbon mitigation, the research illustrates how combining multi-year observations with simulation clarifies the viability of clean energy options.
Subject of Research: Cost-effectiveness of renewable energy technologies for water pumping in Nigeria
Article Title: Solar power emerges as the most cost-effective renewable energy source for water pumping in Nigeria
Article References: Solar power emerges as the most cost-effective renewable energy source for water pumping in Nigeria. Original publication (Bibliographic details unavailable.)
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: Not provided
Keywords: solar photovoltaic technology, water pumping systems, renewable energy economics, biomass electricity generation, wind energy costs, wind shear exponent, capacity factor, Panasonic photovoltaic module, DW 54 EWT turbine, Ibadan, Abakaliki, Benin, Abuja, Bauchi, Dutse, Calabar, Asaba, Energy & Environment Nexus
News Source: Faith Mcneil. (November 13, 2026). Solar Power Proves Most Cost-Effective for Water Pumping in Nigeria. Scienmag.
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