Experimental Assessment of Under-utilization of Wind Energy Capacity in Northern Nigeria. An Untapped Clean Energy Source That is Capable of Addressing Nigeria's Energy Deficiency

Wind energy is one of the most viable renewable energy for future of clean energy source with full capacity of replacing non-renewable energy sources which is considered to be an obsolete source because of it negative impact to our environment. The amount of energy that is available in wind is so enormous with capability of eliminating energy deficiency of any nation if properly harnessed. Nigeria continues to face a severe electrical energy supply due to power deficiency with average national electricity generation far below estimated demand. This study experimentally assesses the under-utilization of wind energy capacity in northern Nigeria and evaluates its potential to address the country’s energy deficit. Using wind speed data and turbine performance analysis from selected high-potential sites, the research examines capacity factor, wind power density, and economic viability. Previous studies indicate that northern Nigeria possess economically viable wind resources for grid integration with promising capacity. Experimental data collected over the period of six months at 10m height showed an average wind speed of 4.19m/s and a mean wind power density of 52.1 〖W/m〗^2, with higher value recorded during the dry season months. Performance analysis of 1KW horizontal-axis wind turbine indicated a capacity factor of 19.6% and an estimated annual energy production of 858GWh of electricity annually, contributing about 2.4% to current national generation. The findings reveal that while northern Nigeria has viable wind resources, the level of deployment and utilization remains very low due to limited policy support, inadequate grid infrastructure, and lack of local capacity. Keywords: renewable energy; Nigeria; Wind energy; Energy deficiency; Capacity factor; Energy Deficit; Under-utilization