Top 15 States with Hydropower Potential in Nigeria

States with Hydropower Potential – Nigeria is blessed with abundant water resources that provide immense potential for hydropower development. With a growing population and economy, the demand for electricity in Nigeria continues to rise. Hydropower is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help meet the country’s electricity needs in a sustainable manner. This article highlights the top 15 states in Nigeria with the highest hydropower potential based on their water resources, topography and existing hydropower infrastructure.

Top 15 States for Hydropower Potential in Nigeria Are:

1. Kano State

Kano State, located in northwestern Nigeria, has significant potential for hydropower generation from its many rivers and streams. The Challawa River Basin is one of the state’s major river systems with potential capacity of about 734MW. Other rivers like Watari Dam and Tiga Dam also offer opportunities for hydropower projects in Kano. The state government has already commenced development of the 2,000MW Tiga and Challawa Gorge hydroelectric power plants which will boost renewable energy production in the state.

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2. Cross River

Cross River State is located in the Niger Delta in southern Nigeria and is endowed with an extensive river system and heavy annual rainfall. The state has potential to generate up to 7,000MW of hydropower electricity from its many rivers. Key sites primed for hydropower projects include the Katsina Ala river where potential capacity is estimated at 2,800MW. Other rivers like the Cross River and Aya River also possess hydro resources that could support small and medium hydropower projects. The state currently generates some hydropower but capacity can be significantly expanded.Countries with Hydropower Potential in Africa

3. Taraba

Taraba State, located in northeast Nigeria, possesses important hydro resources capable of driving substantial growth in renewable power for the state and region. The Taraba River, Donga River and Benue River are some of the major water bodies with high potential for hydropower development. Combined, Taraba’s rivers can support over 3,000MW of hydropower installations. The important Kashimbila multipurpose dam built on the Katsina-Ala River has the capacity to generate 40MW of electricity for Taraba and provide irrigation for agriculture. Information guides in Nigeria

4. Niger

Niger State in North Central Nigeria has rivers like the Kaduna, Gurara, Ebba, and Kampe which hold tremendous potential for hydropower projects. The state government estimates the total hydropower potential capacity of these rivers at about 8,000MW. Currently, the state generates only 5MW from the Kainji dam on River Niger. Proper harnessing of its hydro resources can make Niger State a net producer of electricity. The state government is already exploring options to kickstart exploitations of these hydro sites in partnership with the private sector. Jamb Result

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5. Plateau

Plateau State, known as the “hydro powerhouse of Nigeria”, is endowed with lots of rivers that can support hydropower generation. Some of the key rivers in the state including River Kaduna, Gongola River, and River Yobe have combined hydro capacity of about 7,000MW. Currently, only about 600MW is generated from dams in Plateau. The state government has already commenced preparations to expand hydro plants in the state to boost renewable energy access. New hydro sites will also be explored under public-private partnership arrangements. States with Hydropower Potential in Nigeria

6. Kogi

Kogi state possesses important hydro resources capable of meeting electricity needs of its population and surrounding states. The Niger-Benue river confluence is an important hydrological feature in Kogi with power generation capacity estimated at over 10,000MW. Currently only two dams (Kainji and Jebba) on the confluence generate about 1,500MW. New hydro facilities on the confluence can significantly expand Kogi’s hydropower infrastructure. Other rivers like River Benue can also support new hydro projects to be run by private sector players under appropriate regulations. 200 Romantic Love messages

7. Lagos

As the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos has high electricity consumption and would benefit immensely from hydropower generation within the state. Although Lagos does not have very large rivers, it possesses a wide network of lagoons and creeks along its coastal location which can support small-scale hydropower projects. Pilot floating solar hydro hybrid systems on the lagoons by private investors have demonstrated potential generation of 500MW. With enabling policies, Lagos can scale up similar floating hydro projects on its lagoons and creeks to boost the state’s renewable energy production.

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8. Ogun

Ogun State has viable hydro resources for electricity generation especially along Rivers Ogun and Yewa which flow through the state. The estimated hydropower potential capacity of the Ogun river is 900MW. The state currently does not utilize this potential. The Oyan dam built along Ogun river can be optimized for hydropower generation while there are also proposals for new hydro plants along the Ogun and Yewa rivers which will be implemented through public-private partnerships. Sited close to Lagos, Ogun State stands to become a producer of hydropower for consumption within and outside the state.

9. Benue

Benue State, located in the North Central region, possesses tremendous hydropower resources considering it has Nigeria’s second largest river – River Benue – flowing through it. Apart from the already operational Makurdi Dam with capacity of 30MW, other potential hydro sites have been identified along the Benue River valley which can deliver over 3,000MW in additional electricity. Development of these hydro sites will be facilitated by the state government through private sector participation. With its exceptional hydro resource, Benue State can be transformed into a renewable energy hub in the country. Good morning my love messages

10. Nasarawa

Nasarawa State benefits from its position along the Benue River which provides immense hydropower prospects. The estimated hydro potential capacity of the Benue River segment within Nasarawa State is about 500MW. The state inaugurated a 10MW Gurara hydroelectric plant in 2013 with plans already underway to expand capacity on the site to 30MW. The project is being implemented by a Chinese construction company demonstrating the important role of private investors in hydropower development. With enabling environment more hydro facilities can be situated along the Benue River and its tributaries in Nasarawa.

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11.  Bayelsa

Bayelsa State is a major crude oil and gas producing area but also boasts of hydro resources that can generate significant electricity for its population. The state has many rivers but currently lacks any major hydropower project. However, potential capacity for hydropower installations along Bayelsa’s rivers is estimated at about 4,000MW. Developing these hydro resources through private sector initiative will reduce Bayelsa’s dependence on fossil fuels, create jobs and boost its economy. The government needs to provide appropriate incentives and regulatory framework to attract private capital into the state’s hydropower sector.

12. Delta

Delta state, a leading oil producing state, is also endowed with rivers holding high potential for hydropower development. The state government estimates that Rivers Niger, Ethiope and Benin possess combined hydropower capacity of about 6,000MW. Delta state currently generates only about 30MW from an existing hydro plant. With enabling policies and facilitation, the private sector can fully harness the hydro capabilities of these rivers in Delta state to create jobs and support greener economic growth. There are also opportunities to integrate hydropower with agriculture through irrigation farming downstream of the hydro facilities.  Top 15 Pegasus World Cup Winners

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13. Ondo

Ondo State, located in southwestern Nigeria, possesses important hydro resources capable of driving sustainable electricity production in the state. Rivers like Ogbese, Oluwa, Ohun and Oni hold significant hydropower potential with combined capacity estimated at over 2,000MW. The existing Omotosho dam on the Oluwa river already generates 30MW but capacity can be scaled up. The state also aims to tap into hydro resources from the Oyan dam which is situated at the boundary between Ondo and Ogun states. Ondo State Government is instituting reforms to attract more private investors into developing additional hydropower projects across the state through public-private partnerships.JAMB Portal

14. Enugu

Enugu State, located in southeastern Nigeria, possesses important hydro resources primarily along the Ekulu, Atafo and Umumba rivers in the northern parts of the state. Beyond the existing Adada dam, these rivers and their tributaries can support additional hydropower projects in Enugu. For instance, the Atafo river’s potential capacity for hydropower generation is estimated at about 120MW. Enabling policies and partnerships with private sector players can help unlock Enugu State’s untapped hydropower resources to expand renewable electricity production for the state and region. Top 15 Most Memorable NBA Finals

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15. Ekiti

Ekiti state, situated in the southwest region, boasts of some viable hydro resources capable of improving electricity access in the state. The major rivers in Ekiti with hydro potential include Ose, Ogbese and Ero. Combined, they have capacity for small and medium hydropower projects to the tune of about 500MW based on preliminary surveys. The state government has already commenced reforms and negotiations to attract private sector investment into developing hydropower plants on these rivers which will boost the state’s economy and improve power supply locally and to neighboring states. JAMB Portal

Conclusion

In summary, hydropower provides a sustainable opportunity for Nigeria to leverage its abundant water resources to meet rising electricity demand across states. As highlighted, various states possess rivers and dams with potential capacity for hydropower projects that can be exploited to boost renewable energy generation.

Priority areas include expanding existing hydropower infrastructure as well as developing greenfield sites on untapped rivers and water bodies. Concerted efforts by state governments through public-private partnerships and conducive policies can unlock the immense hydropower potential across Nigeria’s states for socioeconomic growth.

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