Strategic Energy Mix Critical for African Power Infrastructure
African nations must leverage their complete energy portfolio—including conventional and renewable sources—to address the continent’s electricity challenges, according to energy experts speaking at the Solar & Storage Live Cape Town 2025 conference. Joseph Adetuberu, Head of Commercial Operations at Nigeria’s Heirs Energy, emphasized that “there needs to be a dynamic cross-balancing across the board” between different energy sources to ensure reliable power supply.
“We must not lose sight of what we have, resource-wise,” Adetuberu stressed during panel discussions, highlighting the importance of energy diversity critical for Africa’s power development as nations balance environmental concerns with urgent electricity needs.
Nigeria’s Population Challenge and Infrastructure Solutions
With approximately 230 million people, Nigeria faces significant hurdles in supporting energy infrastructure for its growing population. The country has explored integrated grid structures but recognizes that centralized systems alone cannot achieve universal electricity access. This realization has accelerated microgrid development, particularly in remote areas where traditional grid extension proves economically challenging.
Adetuberu noted that while microgrids often appear more expensive than centralized grids that mix high- and low-cost generation technologies, they remain essential for reaching underserved communities. The discussion around major power infrastructure projects highlights how different regions approach grid expansion challenges.
Fuel Source Considerations and Land Constraints
Nigeria’s energy strategy includes liquified natural gas (LNG) and liquified-to-compressed natural gas options for power generation, including through microgrid systems. The country faces particular challenges with solar energy deployment due to limited available land—a constraint less pronounced in neighboring countries like South Africa.
“With its large population, Nigeria needed to use all its land appropriately,” Adetuberu observed, pointing to difficult trade-offs between agriculture, housing, and energy infrastructure. These land use considerations parallel broader resource allocation challenges seen across developing economies.
Grid Stability and Economic Considerations
The commercial operations head emphasized that “the real power of electricity is in the businesses that can use it,” noting that reliable power catalyzes economic growth and improves living standards. Maintaining grid stability requires focus on baseload generation to prevent supply-demand imbalances that could “throw everything into chaos.”
Large commercial consumers play a crucial role in stabilizing grids and supporting infrastructure costs. In Nigeria, Adetuberu explained, customers who disconnect from the grid still contribute payments to support poor communities—a mechanism that helps balance economic and social objectives. This approach reflects evolving strategic planning methodologies being adopted across sectors.
Policy Frameworks and Social Equity
Governments must play a central role in ensuring electricity access for all citizens, Adetuberu asserted. Through incentives and regulatory frameworks, utilities can be encouraged to serve poorer communities that might otherwise be neglected. He warned that ignoring these populations could lead to social unrest, including protests and riots.
Nigeria has developed frameworks enabling microgrid-grid interaction, though Adetuberu acknowledged that renewable energy integration has faced challenges elsewhere in Africa. These implementation challenges mirror broader market dynamics where new technologies disrupt established systems.
Balancing Commercial and Residential Needs
Adetuberu concluded that serving different customer categories requires distinct strategies. Providing minimum service to residential areas can be achieved cost-effectively, while supporting business operations typically involves higher costs that may impact residential tariffs when sharing the same system.
“There was a need to balance the needs of business and the needs of residents,” he emphasized, noting this balancing act must be addressed case by case. Energy providers must remain vigilant about security and operational risks while expanding access across diverse customer segments.
As African nations continue their electrification journeys, the continent’s approach to energy resource development will significantly influence economic growth, social stability, and sustainable development for generations to come.
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