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CJPLS: VOL. 14, NO. 1, JUNE 2026

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Nigerian Academic Institutions: A Case Study of The University of Lagos

Submitted
October 6, 2025
Published
2026-03-11

Abstract

Affordability and grid stability of electricity remain a major concern for learning institutions throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and Nigeria is not left out. At the University of Lagos, there is indiscriminate grid supply and power load shedding that affects academic processes and research continuity. This current research explores the design and techno-economic viability of a hybrid renewable energy system specific to the energy demand of the university. Various configurations of systems with solar photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, lithium-ion battery storage, and diesel backup were contrasted using the hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources software. The performance indicators of net present cost, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), renewable fraction, and percentage of unmet load were contrasted under the actual load profiles as dictated by the academic calendar. Results indicate hybrid system introduced has significant diesel reduction, 83% high renewable penetration, and competitive LCOE of $0.067/kWh. Sensitivity analysis also verifies system robustness to fuel price uncertainty and seasonal variation in solar and wind resources. Finally, the research attests to the feasibility of hybrid systems as affordable, high-performance options for powering university campuses in the tropics, thus providing an expendable template for energy change in the same campuses.

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