The Prospect of Pico Hydroelectric System Construction for Domestic Application in Nigeria-a Review

The demand for energy and clean air in Nigeria has continued to increase at a relatively high rate, and projections see it growing even higher. Hence the need for alternative energy sources cannot be overemphasized. There are abundant water bodies around us that can be explored using relevant technology to tackle the energy crisis in the nation. An evaluation of project cost and prospect for the construction of a Pico hydroelectric system for domestic application in Nigeria has been investigated. The review analyzed and discusses the recent development in hydroelectricity technology with special attention to hydroelectricity generation and the Pico hydroelectric system with an emphasis on economic cost and prospects in Nigeria. It has been found that water resources are abundant in Nigeria, especially in the southern part where annual rainfall numbers are usually above 2000 mm. Efficient and economical techniques were also suggested to be utilized in constructing the system depending on the choice of water source, type of turbine, and generator available. Despite some drawback factors associated with implementing the Pico hydroelectric technology, the study revealed that a total of seven hundred and thirty-eight thousand naira (₦ 738,000.00) is required for the construction of a Pico hydroelectric system which is very cheap when other renewable energy alternatives are taken into consideration. Hence the system has a high potential in meeting the growing energy demand, reducing overdependence on fossil fuels whose uses promote Greenhouse gases to tackle the menace of air pollution and climate change. We recommended further research on the scale-up of the processes adopted herein for industrial or large-scale applications.