A new feasibility study has outlined a plan to reduce Nigerian airports' dependence on diesel-powered generation through a utility-scale solar energy system, addressing the high energy intensity and reliability demands of continuous airport operations. The study is part of a broader clean energy infrastructure push aimed at decarbonising airport operations across the country.
The proposed solution centres on a 10 MW solar generation platform integrated with battery energy storage, engineered to deliver round-the-clock power for critical airport infrastructure. The system is designed to meet full operational loads while improving power reliability and reducing exposure to fuel price volatility, grid outages and the long-term operating risks associated with conventional diesel generation.
The Cost of the Status Quo
Nigeria's main air transport hub, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, has previously been reported to spend at least N1 billion a month on electricity, underscoring the scale of the cost pressure that solar-plus-storage systems are intended to address. The study projects substantial long-term cost savings alongside the elimination of diesel fuel consumption for the systems covered.
Environmental and Policy Context
The proposal estimates annual avoidance of more than 11,000 tonnes of emissions once deployed, aligning with Nigeria's broader renewable energy push — the country added 803 megawatts of new solar photovoltaic capacity in 2025 alone, a 141 per cent year-on-year increase that made it Africa's second-largest solar market behind South Africa. Regulatory support has also strengthened, with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission's 2026 Net Billing Regulations creating a clearer framework for large energy users, including infrastructure operators, to integrate distributed solar generation.