Impact of Solar Energy Interventions on Energy Efficiency Behaviour and Conservation Practices in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory: A Survey-based Study
Adamu Mohammed Alhaji *
Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Dalhatu Umaru Sangari
Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Sunday Yusuf Kpalo
Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Innocent E. Bello
Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria and National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and rising energy demand in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have intensified pressure on the national grid and increased reliance on fossil fuel–based power generation, leading to inefficiencies, high energy costs, and environmental degradation. Solar energy interventions present a sustainable pathway to improve energy efficiency and promote energy conservation in urban and peri-urban communities. This study assesses the impact of solar energy technologies, such as solar mini-grid, solar lanterns and solar street lighting on commercial, household and institutional bases in the FCT, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach with a sample size of 335 respondents, the research combines household surveys with statistical data in STATA to evaluate the impact of solar energy on energy efficient technologies and conservation behaviour. The findings reveal that solar energy users are willing to engage in energy efficiency behaviour and adopt energy efficient devices. Efforts to adopt solar energy technologies demonstrate significant improvement in energy conservation, enhanced energy reliability and increased awareness of sustainable energy practices among users. The study further identifies key socioeconomic, technical, and policy factors influencing the effectiveness of solar interventions. The results provide evidence-based insights to guide policymakers, energy planners, and development agencies in scaling up solar energy deployment to achieve improved energy efficiency, energy conservation, and climate mitigation goals in Nigeria.
Keywords: Energy efficiency, energy conservation, solar energy, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria