This is the second and final part of this series.
We initially left off discussing how a massive conceptual solar farm in the Sahara desert could break Nigeria out of darkness. What I didn't mention in part 1 was that as great as solar energy is, it isn't a viable primary source of energy on it's own. So what technology can we combine with solar to efficiently maximise it?
Batteries. That is correct, you heard me right. I said batteries. But not like Tiger batteries (pictured right) that couldn't power my torch for 5 minutes. I'm talking about massive, gigantic batteries. Industrial sized batteries that could power your home for at least an entire day - depending on usage of course.
Real batteries
A good example of this technology is the Tesla Powerwall (pictured below). It is able to store about 5 kW which is enough to power an A/C, water pump and the standard appliances you would find in a house - deep freezer, fridge, television etc. However, as wonderful as this sounds it is still an expensive solution. At the time of writing, the approximate price for purchase and installation is around ₦5M - this excludes cost of shipping and delivery etc.
This of course is far from affordable for the average citizen and any solution I propose most suit the many not the few.
Solar + Batteries
Name a more iconic duo... I'm waiting. Solar plus batteries is a winning combination, they complement each other perfectly. One of the disadvantages, if not the main, is the random, probabilistic nature of the weather and the fact that virtually no power will be generated over night. Batteries plug in the gap and take over when solar power can no longer do the job - provided they have been charged during the day. But assuming the solar farms are setup in a suitable spot in the Sahara, that should significantly drop the probability of intermittent sunlight.
Possible solutions?
The best way to take advantage of the benefits of combining the two technologies would be to setup large industrial scaled battery centres next to electricity substations. Once daytime generation ends or if there is a need for surplus energy during peak periods then the battery centres can take over or support the supply of electricity respectively. Excessive energy can be exported to neighbouring countries. This solution still gives the utility companies power over the distribution of electricity and power will be supplied as normal without consumers having much knowledge of what happens in the back. It also means citizens do not need to worry about maintenance of parts as it will likely be included in the total electricity bill.
While solar is good and even better with batteries. I think the fastest way to get Nigerians out of darkness is by investing in and researching into battery technology. Storage is the future. This has a number of advantages namely:
Better quality, more efficient batteries
Cheaper cost batteries as they get mass produced
Would be cheaper and faster to build batteries than commission a power plant
Assuming that the research has taken place and the cost of batteries has dropped massively. Another good way to take advantage of this combo would be to provide every household with a battery of about 3kW to allow them charge and use the power as they deem fit. This solution puts a lot of power and control into the hands of consumers. They are also less dependent on utility companies. However, it also means that they become responsible for battery servicing and maintenance. I also do not know how economically feasible it would be for the government or any company to supply every household with a battery - in any case, it would probably be subsidised.
A third and final solution would be to combine the two mentioned previously - large battery centres near substations and supply of a medium battery to every household. This would probably the greatest but least likely solution and most utopian of all the solutions.
I like to look to the future and I honestly think this is something that should at least be considered. It is not impossible or unrealistic for us to get out of darkness in the near future.
To read part 1 click here
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