Potentials of renewable energy in a developing economy

Energy availability and sustainability is a fundamental step to achieving economic and social stability in a developing economy. In this study, the potentials of renewable energy for sustainable energy generation in developing economies (Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon) have been discussed. The peculiarities of each country in terms of the numerous issues involved in harnessing renewable energy were highlighted. These are West and Central African countries, located in the tropics with huge amount of insolation which if carefully tapped will generate enough energy for herselves and for export. The study also explores the potentials of other renewables (wind and biomass), and compares the paradoxes of oil-rich Nigeria and the stark reality of a near-total decay of social infrastructure and economic focus to the other developing economies. The study then proposes a road map that Nigeria and by extension any developing country could adopt for a sustainable energy future.