INTEGRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY INTO NIGERIA’S OIL AND GAS SECTOR: A STRATEGIC PATHWAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE

Abstract

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, faces the dual challenge of meeting growing energy demands while transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The economy's backbone, the oil and gas industry, is mostly dependent on fossil fuels for its operations, which raises carbon emissions and degrades the environment. Nigeria has a practical and strategic chance to preserve energy security, cut emissions, diversify its sources of income, cut operating expenses, and comply with international sustainability objectives by incorporating renewable energy (RE) into the oil and gas industry as the global movement toward decarbonization gains traction. With an emphasis on uses including solar-powered rigs, hybrid microgrids, and green hydrogen, this article examines the possibilities of integrating renewable energy into Nigeria's oil and gas sector. It addresses challenges specific to Nigeria, including infrastructure limitations, regulatory barriers, and socio-economic constraints, and proposes a framework for adoption. Case studies, including a hypothetical 3MW solar microgrid for drilling operations in the Niger Delta, illustrate practical applications. The study emphasizes the transformative potential of renewable energy to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.