Prospects, Challenges, Implementation Strategies, and General Outlook for Geothermal Energy Application in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria's national development depends on energy security and sustainability because of the nation's expanding industrial base, growing population, and ongoing electricity shortages. The Earth's interior heat can be used to generate geothermal energy, a renewable resource that is yet mostly unexplored but has the potential to produce consistent, dependable, and eco-friendly power. Nigeria's Benue Trough, Sokoto Basin, Niger Delta, and portions of the basement complex all have geothermal potential, as shown by high geothermal gradients, increased heat flow, and surface manifestations such as the hot springs at Ikogosi, Wikki, and Nasarawa. Despite these signs, Nigeria's geothermal development is still restricted because of a lack of specific legal frameworks, high initial investment costs, poor institutional frameworks, a lack of geo-scientific exploration data, and a lack of public awareness. It will require a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of geothermal resources, capacity building, risk mitigation techniques, supportive regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement to overcome these obstacles. Nigeria might increase energy security, diversify its energy sources, improve electricity reliability, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote industrial and rural development if geothermal energy is fully adapted into the country's energy mix. As a sustainable and workable solution to Nigeria's energy problems, this discussion paper emphasizes the strategic significance of geothermal energy and calls for systematic research, policy prioritization, and investment to realize its full potential. Thus, this paper examines the prospects, challenges, implementation strategies, and general outlook for geothermal energy application in Nigeria.