Renewable Energy Potential Assessment for University Campuses in Nsukka, Enugu State

This study assesses the renewable energy potential available to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus in Enugu State, South East Nigeria, with the objective of identifying viable pathways for integrating solar photovoltaic and small wind generation into the campus energy supply mix. The university's heavy dependence on diesel generation for supplementing unreliable grid supply creates substantial operating costs and carbon emissions. Solar irradiance data from the NASA POWER database and wind speed data from a campus-installed anemometer were analysed over a 12-month period. The campus energy consumption profile was established from distribution substation billing records, revealing a peak demand of 2.1MW and an average daily consumption of 28MWh. Site survey identified 18,500 m2 of suitable rooftop and car park canopy area for PV installation. Wind speed analysis yielded an average of 3.6 m/s at 10m hub height, which is below the commercially viable threshold for large wind turbines but marginally viable for smaller urban wind installations. PV resource analysis indicates that a 2MWp rooftop installation would generate approximately 7.8MWh per day on average, covering 28 percent of campus demand. Financial analysis using current solar panel costs and electricity tariff projections yields a 9-year payback period. The study maps the prioritised installation zones on the campus layout and recommends a phased approach starting with the most energy-intensive administrative and laboratory buildings. Keywords: renewable energy, solar PV, campus energy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.